8:00pm: There are still indications that World Peace would have interest in joining a contending team in the NBA if he clears amnesty waivers, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. The veteran appears intent on becoming a free agent rather than being claimed, Amick adds, pointing out that World Peace would forfeit his salary from the Lakers if a team claims him and he fails to report to camp. The Clippers have overtaken the Knicks as the top team on World Peace's list of preferred destinations, but both clubs appear to have interest in signing the man formerly known as Ron Artest, even though they can only offer the minimum salary.
4:21pm: Metta World Peace is now officially on amnesty waivers, meaning teams with cap space are allowed to place partial bids during the next two days. If more than one team places a claim, the highest bidder will land World Peace, assuming a portion of his salary. If there are no bidders, the man formerly known as Ron Artest becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Considering under-the-cap teams – many of them non-contenders – have the opportunity to claim World Peace without his say, we should probably take any comments he makes over the next couple days with a grain of salt. But according to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com and Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles, the ex-Laker told the duo that he's not interested in playing in the NBA in 2013/14. The 33-year-old's top choice is to play in China, while his other potential options include coaching with an NBA team, or playing arena football (Twitter links).
Again, with World Peace at the mercy of the waiver system, it's reasonable to assume that he may be trying to scare off non-contenders from claiming him. If he were to become an unrestricted free agent, he'd be able to sign with any team besides the Lakers, and he reportedly has interest in joining the Knicks, among others.
Howard Beck of the New York Times noted earlier today (via Twitter) that World Peace wouldn't officially be placed on waivers until 4:00pm CST today, so the bidding period will end on Sunday afternoon.
I think Metta just doesn’t want to be claimed. Hopefully he will be a Knick!
I think you’re on to something. As soon as he’s an UFA, we’ll hear a different tune.
you should always take anything ron says with a grain of salt
Actually the Knicks still have a bit over the minimum left to offer.