New York Knicks waive former Lakers forward Metta World Peace

New York Knicks forward Metta World Peace was waived by the team Monday.

By Eric Pincus

Feb. 24, 2014 4:22 PM PT

The New York Knicks have waived former Lakers forward Metta World Peace, along with guard Beno Udrih.

“We are disappointed that it did not work out for Beno and Metta here in New York,” Knicks President and General Manager Steve Mills said in a statement. “We thank them for their contributions this season and wish them well.”

THANKS NYC for having me. Just signed my papers for waiver from my favorite team as a kid, The Knicks. This video’s 4u https://t.co/ZsLBqH5U5R— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) February 24, 2014

Once World Peace clears the 48-hour waiver process, he’ll become a free agent, eligible to sign with any franchise outside of the Lakers and Knicks.

Last off-season, the Lakers used their one-time amnesty to remove World Peace’s $7.7 million salary from their salary cap and luxury tax computation. The team is still paying World Peace, but under the rules of amnesty, he cannot rejoin the Lakers until after this season.

Of course the Lakers aren’t necessarily likely to pursue World Peace, as the team works to rebuild the roster with younger talent.

World Peace helped the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics to win a title in 2010.

Through 29 appearances with the Knicks, he averaged 4.8 points and 2.0 rebounds a game.

World Peace will look to join a playoff-bound team, hoping to add a defensive element to a long postseason run.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.