Who Should Acquire Metta World Peace?

All good things have to come to an end at some point.

After four roller coaster seasons of rocking the purple and gold, Metta World Peace was officially released by the Lakers, via the NBA’s amnesty clause, as reported by Kevin Ding of the OC Register:

It’s pretty saddening when you think about it.

If it weren't for World Peace’s Game 7 heroics against the Boston Celtics during the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers probably would not have won the championship, and there would be no talk about Kobe Bryant searching for that oh so elusive sixth ring.

Even the Black Mamba himself admits it:

Be honest, you all know it’s the truth.

Nonetheless, at 33 years old, World Peace still has plenty of basketball left in him and he is more than capable of being down for another season in the NBA.

With that said, a number of contenders should consider acquiring World Peace.

New York Knicks

Queens, stand up (sorry, I had to do it).

Metta World Peace under the bright lights of MSG makes a lot of sense.

The Knicks have nobody on their roster who’s willing to get down on the floor for a loose ball or body check someone if they step out of line, without hurting someone, of course. Unless you consider Tyson Chandler to be that guy, it’s clear that the Knicks need some toughness.

World Peace would be a serviceable role player who would bring what NYC basketball is all about: hard-nosed basketball.   

Having a player like World Peace, who is willing to go the extra mile, would definitely prove useful when the playoffs role around.

Maybe his presence would stop this from happening again:

Too soon? Sorry.

Los Angeles Clippers

Imagine the storylines: “World Peace to the LA…Clippers?”

Crazy, is it not?

If the battle of Los Angeles isn’t already a rivalry, it sure would be if that happened.

Yes, the Clippers already have solid swingmen in Jared Dudley, Reggie Bullock and Matt Barnes.

Nevertheless, can you really say no to World Peace?

Although he’s not the defensive juggernaut he used to be during the days of his former self, World Peace is still a tough, hard-nosed player who will give offenses fits throughout portions of a game.

You know Doc Rivers loves players who salivate over the opportunity to get into a player’s head.

Adding Metta World Peace would definitely bring that about.

Chicago Bulls

Ah, back to where it all started. 

Back in 1999, the Chicago Bulls selected World Peace with the 16th-overall pick in the NBA draft.

Seems like forever, doesn’t it?

If a reunion were to take place, it would definitely be a fruitful one for both parties.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau is a player’s coach, meaning if you work hard and commit to excellence, you will be reward with a spot in his rotation.

Likewise, World Peace embodies that.

Although he only averaged 12.4 points on 40 percent shooting from the field last season, World Peace worked tirelessly. During many games last season, it seemed as if World Peace and Kobe were the only Lakers willing to break a sweat.

The go-getter attitude that World Peace possesses mirrors that of Chicago’s players and the organization.

Seriously, can you picture World Peace and Joakim Noah on the same team? The thought alone should make one consider buying League Pass, immediately.

Unless World Peace decides to call it quits, a number of contenders will be lining up to acquire his services.

Whatever journey awaits World Peace in the near future, it will definitely be worth watching.