The Knicks are trying to schedule a meeting with Metta World Peace in Las Vegas in the next few days (Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS — Metta World Peace is free to come home — 14 years later.
World Peace is a free agent after clearing amnesty waivers last night, and the Knicks officially expressed interest to the agents of the former Ron Artest at the Las Vegas Summer League.
The Knicks are trying to schedule a meeting with World Peace in Las Vegas today or tomorrow. Agent Marc Cornstein said nothing is set in stone on the meeting yet, but said there’s “mutual interest.’’
World Peace, when asked if he’s coming to Vegas to sit down with the Knicks, responded via text message to The Post, “No, going to watch Floyd Mayweather train.”
Cornstein planned to speak with World Peace last night to go over his options.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson acknowledged the club likes what the Queensbridge product can bring.
“I like his skill set a lot,’’ Woodson said. “A lot of teams liked his skill set over the years. He does a little bit of everything.’’
According to a source, at least four teams have called to inquire about the 33-year-old, but the Knicks look to be the favorites, though World Peace hasn’t ruled out playing in China.
“It was a nail-biter and now he is in control of his destiny,’’ World Peace’s other New York-based agent, Doug Davis, told The Post. “We’re not rushing it. We want him to make a smart decision and take all the options in consideration and do what’s best for him. He’s very excited he’s in position to choose his own destiny.’’
World Peace told Yahoo! Sports he wants “to do something unique and fun.
“China has over a billion people. It’s fun,” he said. “I want to be adventurous. I’ve been thinking about it.”
Cornstein sat with Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion, and the two had a brief conversation.
World Peace said a couple of days ago he was over his dream of playing with the Knicks — who passed on him in the 1999 draft — and had wanted to play with them in his prime, but no longer. Davis then downplayed those remarks as World Peace being World Peace. The Knicks have the $1.7 million remainder of their mid-level and the veterans’ minimum of $1.4 million to offer World Peace.
“There’s no reason not to consider New York if there’s strong interest,’’ Davis said.
Eleven under-the-cap teams passed on making bids for World Peace, but Davis said he still expects to hear from some of them.
“Ideally, teams showed respect so he can determine his own future,’’ Davis said.
Artest Sr. told The Post he’s praying the Knicks get it done. The Clippers also are believed in the mix.
“I’m hoping he comes home,’’ Artest Sr. said last night. “It’s New York. It’s home. He wanted to play here for a very long time. He doesn’t have to win a championship here but playing for the Knicks, that’s good enough for me.’’
Woodson has no qualms about coaching the mercurial World Peace, who has had his share of suspensions. Woodson has done a good job reining in J.R. Smith, also considered a league renegade.
“I can coach any player,’’ Woodson said. “I’ve coached guys from 18 years old and built a team in Atlanta. That’s tough for a first-time coach. I don’t think there’s a player who I can’t coach if he’s willing to be coached.
“It’s a matter of pushing the right buttons. If anybody comes to this team, they’ve got to understand it’s all about team and not about individuals here. It’s about the New York franchise trying to win an NBA title.”
If he signs, World Peace could start at small forward with Carmelo Anthony remaining at power forward. However, Woodson said he will consider starting Andrea Bargnani at power forward and shifting Anthony to the three.
“We could — it could be different this year,’’ Woodson said. “Bargnani brings a different dimension to our team. He can do a little bit of everything. I got to get him up to speed defensively. “ Just like Melo [Anthony] is a nightmare for people at the four, [Bargnani’s] a nightmare for players at the four and five. I’ve got to get him acclimated and comfortable and feeling good about himself.”