MWP thanks fans and franchise for helping him fulfil childhood dream.
The New York Knicks have bought out forward Metta World Peace and point guard Beno Udrih after the pair were unable to make a significant impact this season.
Knicks president and general manager Steve Mills insisted that the franchise was “disappointed” that it did not work out for the duo, but thanked them for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavours.
It is a significant blow for World Peace in particular given that he is a Queens native, and after having signed a two-year deal worth approximately $1.6m per season, he is now free to join another team but will lose his player option.
The veteran forward missed nearly all of January after undergoing a procedure on his left knee, but made what would be his final appearance in the loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday.
“It was a childhood dream of mine to play basketball professionally in New York City, and it has truly been a blessing for that dream to have come true,” World Peace said in a statement, as reported by ESPN.
“However, under current circumstances, my agent and I have agreed that being bought out would be the best option for me professionally. I would like everyone to know that whether I was on the court or off, I could not have been happier playing for and cheering on this amazing city, my city.”
Nevertheless, despite the disappointment of not being able to make an impression with the Knicks, World Peace is adamant that he still has plenty left to offer and is able to contribute to a team this season.
The 34-year-old had a minimal role with New York playing just 13.4 minutes in 29 games, but having now been waived he will be able to sign for another team and be eligible for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Udrih suffered a similarly frustrating spell in New York, with the veteran point guard bemoaning the lack of playing time he was given whilst also suggesting that he was perhaps being unfairly singled out for criticism.
However, coach Mike Woodson has since been keen to look forward to the future and revealed that he and Mills will discuss the possibility of adding players with a guard and back-up big man on their list of targets.
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