He still has to finagle a break from the Knicks, but indications are banished point guard Stephon Marbury will wind up with the Celtics, according to a report on ESPN.com.
“It will happen,” a source reportedly said when asked if Marbury would wind up in Beantown this season.
Marbury hasn’t played for the Knicks all season. After playing well in the preseason, new coach Mike D’Antoni benched him on opening night and the relationship snowballed quickly.
He was placed on the inactive list, and in late November he was barred from contact with the team. He attempted to negotiate a buyout from his $20.8 million contract, but he has since refused to take anything more than the full value of his deal.
If Marbury lands in Boston, he would be reunited with Kevin Garnett.
The two played together for three seasons with the Timberwolves, but
Marbury forced a trade that landed him with the Nets. According to ESPN.com, Garnett has not said he doesn’t want Marbury in Boston.
In a guest blog exclusive to the The New York Post, Marbury wrote:
“People who know me know I’m in the best shape of my life … Bottom line, I came to camp with the right attitude, in shape and ready to play. I didn’t come to be a distraction.
“I didn’t want to be a distraction for the team first and me second. I honestly came to help the team win. Real talk. I was willing to put in the work necessary to earn my starting spot and humble enough to accept coming off of the bench.
“It was unfortunate that the coach wanted to go in a different direction and didn’t want me to be part of the team. I just wish it had been handled correctly from jump. I could understand the fact they didn’t want Chris Duhon looking over his shoulder, but if you don’t want me just pay me and let me go. I just want to play basketball.”