By Tommy Rothman

After reports surfaced Monday that the Lakers will use their amnesty clause on Metta World Peace, the Knicks seem like a strong suitor for the veteran small forward. The Artist Formerly Known as Ron Artest is a Queens native who has stated that he is a Knicks fan. He plays tough defense, hustles, and is a great guy to have on a team… when he can control himself. World Peace has had many on-the-court incidents throughout his career and a few off-the-court troubles as well. If the Knicks can look past that, he would be a solid addition to a team trying to win now. World Peace will be put through amnesty waivers. Every team under the cap will be able to bid on him (starting at the veteran’s minimum). If the rebuilding teams see no use for the 33-year-old small forward, he could fall to the Knicks. A couple good teams still have cap room, but if they decide the eccentric veteran is not worth it, they could pass on him. Furthermore, World Peace has expressed interest in playing at the Garden in the past, and he could ask some teams not to claim him off waivers. If World Peace clears amnesty waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent, the Knicks would be foolish not to offer him the veteran’s minimum (or possible the $1.7 million left on their midlevel exception). Of course, we can never put it past the Knicks’ front office to do something foolish these days, or to let somebody who has fallen into their laps slip away. World Peace’s future is as much a mystery as the man himself.

Do YOU want Metta on the Knicks? Let us know in the comments!