Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
This is truly what all NBA fans wanted, isn’t it? A locker room involving a guy that punches through glass when angry, another guy who has been suspended 10 games for a brawl and now a psychologically challenged forward who loves to throw elbows — oh, this will be good.
The New York Knicks have agreed in principle with former Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace on Monday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:
Metta World Peace has reached an agreement in principle on a two-year deal with the New York Knicks, league source tells Y! Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 15, 2013
World Peace was rumored to have said he wanted to play for China as recent as a couple of days ago. Other reports circulated that if he didn’t get a shot with the Knicks he would retire. Then, there were also other sources stating he had a list as long as seven teams he would like to play for if and when the Lakers used the amnesty clause on him.
Well, it appears the veteran forward will get his original wish to play with Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith and Amare Stoudemire in New York. This move only furthers an odd offseason for the Knicks.
New York also executed a trade to bring in former Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani, who has been an absolute bust since entering the NBA. Not to mention, he has a hefty contract that I wouldn’t wish upon any team at the moment.
In any event, the Knicks get a defensive-minded player who they will need to try and limit on the offensive end. With the Lakers, World Peace took quite a few unnecessary shots — something New York already has a problem with in Smith at times.
If World Peace can focus solely on his defense and rebounding, the Knicks have gotten a good player. All jokes aside, this was a solid move by New York and they will be a better team because of it.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
