Metta World Peace signs to play in Italy

Former NBA forward Metta World Peace has signed a contract to finish the season in Italy with Pallacanestro Cantu.

Former NBA forward Metta World Peace has signed a contract to finish the season in Italy with Pallacanestro Cantu, the team announced on Tuesday.

He is expected to join the team in Italy this week.

World Peace, 35, started the season playing for Sichuan in the Chinese Basketball Association. He averaged 19.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 41.5% from the floor in 15 games for the Blue Whales.

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He played for the Knicks last season, averaging 4.8 points and 13.4 minutes in 29 games.

During his 15-year NBA career, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals while playing for the Bulls, Pacers, Kings, Rockets, Lakers and Knicks. He won a championship with the Lakers in 2010. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and made his only All-Star appearance that season.

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- Paul Palladino