Metta World Peace: Knicks asked me not to be a leader

Metta World Peace says he would like to play in the NBA for two more seasons. (Nathaniel S. Butler/National Basketball/Getty Images)

Metta World Peace says he asked for a buyout after being asked by the Knicks to tone down his locker room leadership role, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

World Peace was not in coach Mike Woodson's regular rotation this season, averaging just 13.4 minutes per game in 29 appearances, but the former All-Star says it was the team's refusal to let him lead that made him ask for a buyout.

“I was fine with being on the bench, but at times I wanted to help lead. But at times I tried to lead, it was met with resistance. I backed off a little and tried to blend in with the team. I tried to find where I could complement the players but I couldn’t find any room to complement.’’

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