NBA Player’s Association attorney Hal Biagas is expected to resume Stephon Marbury buyout talks with Knicks president Donnie Walsh tomorrow or Thursday, with a possibility of a formal proposal coming by week’s end, according to a person familiar with the situation.
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The exiled Marbury, who has yet to play this season, flew with the team to Boston yesterday, but that could be his last road trip as a Knick.
Biagas, Marbury and Walsh met last Thursday in Westchester to begin divorce proceedings. According to the individual, Walsh told Biagas and Marbury that he’ll need one week to think about matters, explore any potential trades and consult with Knicks owner James Dolan.
“He wants to see what’s out there on the trade market,” the individual told The Post. “There’s optimism [about a buyout]. He is trying to work something out.”
Marbury has told confidants he does not care if he yields more than his $21.9 million wage this season.
In other words, it appears he is willing to approve a settlement that allows the Knicks to save any money on his new contract, but wants to make sure he clears “every penny” of the $21.9 million.
In fact, Marbury told The Post before training camp began that he would be willing to donate his new salary to charity. That charity may wind up being the Knickerbockers if he wants to be freed.
Automatically, under the CBA’s offset rule, the Knicks would save $300,000 if Marbury signs for the veteran’s minimum of $1.2 million. There’s a chance he can sign for more. The Player’s Association has told Marbury between seven and 10 teams could have serious interest in his services. Marbury does not want to talk to other teams until he has a firm settlement in place.
“I’m a Knick until told otherwise,” Marbury said yesterday.
Among the teams figuring to get involved are Miami, Boston, the Clippers and Dallas. Though Mavs owner Mark Cuban has more to worry about now than chasing Marbury, amidst insider trading charges, Cuban called himself “a Marbury fan” Sunday at the Garden. Cuban once appeared on Marbury’s TV talk show, “Stars on Stars.”
Marbury is the last Knick remaining from their 2004 playoff team. Coach Mike D’Antoni refused to dress Marbury Sunday, even though he had only 10 healthy bodies available.