Stephon Marbury News

"The Knicks have agreed in principle on a two-year contract to sign free-agent guard Anthony Roberson, with the deal likely to expediate the departure of Stephon Marbury, The Post has learned. Knicks president Donnie Walsh appeared to be waiting to add another backcourt player before he made a move with Marbury. And now he feels he has it in Roberson, a 6-2 combo guard who is playing for the Knicks summer-league team here and excelled in his debut, scoring 22 points, including three 3-pointers."

"Stephon Marbury bounded off the Knicks' team bus at Vegas' Valley High last night - a new tattoo inscribed on his left temple. The "3" logo found on his Starbury sneaker and apparel line is now a permanent part of his bald head. Good thing the permanent tattoo ink wasn't used on his Knick jersey. Even the cocky Marbury knows he may be giving up his Knick jersey in a couple of months, with team president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni contemplating waiving him before the season opener"

"At least two Knicks guards of the past think the embattled Knicks guard of the present, Stephon Marbury, can survive the transition to the Walsh-D'Antoni Era. Walt "Clyde" Frazier and John Starks both spoke out yesterday in support of Marbury, whose future with the team is in question. Thanks to his tumultuous 2007-08 season, the arrival of new team president Donnie Walsh and new head coach Mike D'Antoni, and the signing of free-agent point guard Chris Duhon earlier this week."

"Stephon Marbury joined the Knicks â?? summer-league team for its first practice Friday, as the franchise took its first awkward steps toward the future."

"Stephon Marbury's career with the Knicks is in jeopardy and his business partner, Steve & Barry's, just filed for bankruptcy, but the Starbury sneakers will live on. Marbury was in Seattle Wednesday, striking a deal with Amazon.com to sell the cheap sneakers online, The Post has learned. However, Marbury reports because of the failing economy, the Starburys will go up in price from $14.98. Marbury told The Post that $1 of each sneaker sale will go to charities."

"Donnie Walsh called it filling in a blank, he hailed it a major answer and yet, the signing of Chris Duhon still left the Knicks' president with a whole bunch of questions. And a whole lot of blank stares. The Knicks introduced Duhon on Wednesday, confirming they'd signed the fifth-year point guard to a two-year deal with their midlevel exception. But, as Walsh said he expected Duhon to compete for the starting role, and as the almost-26-year-old said that opportunity was why he chose the hapless Knicks' offer over an identical one from Orlando, there was no erasing the specter of the Knicks' ostensible incumbent, Stephon Marbury."

"On the day Donnie Walsh welcomed Chris Duhon to the Knicks at a Garden press gathering, the team president didn't say the magic words - that Stephon Marbury will be a member of the Knicks this season. While trying to defuse speculation Marbury is finished here, Walsh remained noncommittal on whether the point guard will be bought out. It's a saga that could drag into October's training camp. "I haven't said anything about that, not even to my confidants," Walsh said. "I haven't projected it that far. The players that are on this team are on this team."

"The Knicks publicly insist that Chris Duhon’s arrival does not indicate Stephon Marbury ’s departure. But the team president, Donnie Walsh , said little Wednesday to dispel the notion. Walsh called Duhon, who signed a two-year contract, a “true point guard” and a “defensive-oriented” player who could “fill in some of the blanks that we had” and be “the kind of guy that coaches will rely on.” It sounded like a list of things that Marbury failed to do as the starting point guard for much of the last four years."

"Despite reports of his impending doom, an unfazed Stephon Marbury said he will not change plans and is heading to Las Vegas Friday to work out with Knicks veterans at a voluntary minicamp coinciding with summer league. New hire Chris Duhon and Marbury's potential point-guard successor is also expected to work out with Marbury in Vegas, where the Knicks summer-league team will hold its first practice Friday night. Can you say awkward?"

"Chris Duhon has agreed to a two-year deal with the Knicks , paving the way for the franchise to cut ties with Stephon Marbury , their troublesome starting point guard. Whether Marbury will be traded, bought out of his contract or simply waived is yet to be determined. But people with close ties to Donnie Walsh , the team president, and Coach Mike D’Antoni consider Marbury’s departure a near certainty."

"The Knicks spent the first official day of the free agent recruiting period meeting with point guard Chris Duhon Tuesday in New York in what could be the first step toward parting ways with incumbent Stephon Marbury. Duhon, who has spent his four-year career with Chicago, is expected to meet with Magic officials Wednesday in Orlando. With the Bulls drafting point guard Derrick Rose with the first pick in last week's NBA draft and with Kirk Hinrich already on the roster, Chicago has little interest in re-signing Duhon."

"Reports of Stephon Marbury's rigorous summer training sessions have failed to impress at least one of his teammates. "It's the same story every year," says one veteran Knick. "He's doing this, he's doing that, he's running hills, he's lifting weights. And then on the first day of training camp he can't even finish some of the drills." Marbury made his "This is my year" declaration months earlier than usual, and there is little doubt that he wants to play out the final season of his contract in New York. But there is a strong possibility he will not get that opportunity. If club president Donnie Walsh acquires a point guard, Marbury likely will be released, according to a league ..."

"Marbury is suing Martell Developers LLC over the state of drainage in his Purchase home. He spent the height of the day being asked about gutters, pipes and water damage at the property, in a neighborhood where it seems everyone (given the aerial photos on display) has an in-ground pool and playset. Judge Orazio Bellantoni listened to Marbury's testimony. The basketball player is seeking $1,072,418 and change over what he contends was faulty work. Marbury, who wore a gray suit, blue oxford, no tie, and a blue handkerchief in his pocket, is slated to make $21 million this year as a Knick."

"Stephon Marbury is happy to look ahead to a Mike D'Antoni future, not an Isiah Thomas past. Marbury said he feels he has a new lease on his Knicks career, even if president Donnie Walsh and coach D'Antoni may look for a point-guard-of-the-future during Thursday night's draft. With one year left on his pact, Marbury is trying to rejuvenate his ankle and image this offseason. Marbury will practice with the Knicks' summer league team in Las Vegas next month. He jogged the Hollywood Hills for a full month following Walsh's order to get in the best shape of his career. Marbury is working out at the Knicks Westchester facility with an old Phoenix friend, former Suns assistant Phil Weber, ..."

"Speculative stories, for the most part, are best left unaddressed for fear refer encing them will give them credibility. Nevertheless, last week's report that Mike D'Antoni wants to trade Stephon Marbury for Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa demands denouncing from any and all perspectives. First the Suns: The careers of Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill are on a slippery slope; the championship window of opportunity is a season or two away from slamming shut, if it hasn't already closed. So, yeah, if you're owner Robert Sarver who paid $401 million for the franchise four years ago, it sure seems like the logical time to unload two of the team's three young, core players for an ..."

"Where and who the Knicks select in next month's draft will determine the futures of several players, especially Stephon Marbury, Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. Marbury is the most intriguing case because his expiring contract makes him one of the Knicks' most valuable assets. Walsh could try to trade Marbury before the season or by the February deadline or simply allow his contract to come off the salary cap in 14 months. In either case, it's a win-win for the Knicks: Marbury is looking to salvage his career and reputation and, if healthy, has incentive for a strong year."

"Camera flashes lit up the Garden Theater as Stephon Marbury embraced new Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni Tuesday. That's as close as Marbury may get to D'Antoni, as the point guard knows he might not be a Knick when the 2008-09 season tips off. "If I'm here, I'm here," Marbury said. "If I'm not, I could do it someplace else. I'm just getting my mind and my body right. I love New York, but if I wasn't going to be here, I wouldn't be here." With a season to go - at $22 million - on his expiring contract, Marbury could be dealt to another team wanting him in his last year to free up money under the salary cap, or the Knicks may decide to keep him, looking to do the same. Despite the ..."

"Knicks icks fans are praying, hoping Stephon Marbury is right. There is only so much agony and torture a soul can endure. "This is the year. Everything is changed," Marbury proposed at the formal introduction of Mike D'Antoni as the 24th coach in Knicks history yesterday. "It's different. It's not the same." Well, the fear is Marbury is wrong. So many see D'Antoni as a guy with a run-and-gun style that worked well in the West but will fit in with the Knicks and their current halfcourt plodders about as well as bowling shoes at a black tie formal."

"Stephon Marbury phoned Mike D'Antoni yesterday to welcome him to the Knicks. Marbury is hoping his second stint with D'Antoni lasts longer than the first. "We went with experience," Marbury told The Post yesterday. "It's a great move. We had a great relationship. I never had a problem with Mike D'Antoni. He said we have our work cut out for us and he's right. But I'm looking forward to running up and down the floor." It has been said D'Antoni wasn't a big fan of Marbury's. But only Marbury and Quentin Richardson will know the offense well in training camp."

"In his first meeting with new Knicks president Donnie Walsh, Stephon Marbury got no indication he's being shown the same exit door as Isiah Thomas, who will be removed officially as head coach in an announcement that could come today. Yesterday, Walsh and Thomas were busy meeting with players separately in exit interviews at the team's Westchester facility. Thomas is expected to be retained in some capacity, of which specifics are still being discussed. Hence, the delay."

"Now that Isiah Thomas' days with the Knicks - or at least his days in a position of any authority with the Knicks - are coming to an end, Stephon Marbury has announced that he wants to finish out his contract in New York. The only problem is, that's Donnie Walsh's decision, not Marbury's."

"Stephon Marbury told The Post yesterday he has tabled Italy for a few years - this rotten season motivating him to stick in the NBA for a while longer. Marbury hopes to remain with the Knicks for the final year of his contract. Isiah Thomas' removal from power has increased his chances, but he's far from out of the woods with Donnie Walsh, who is anxious to meet with Marbury on Thursday to get to know him."

"Garden chairman James Dolan has a small financial stake in Stephon Marbury's absence from the lineup. Once Marbury misses 41 consecutive games due to his season-ending ankle surgery, insurance will pay 80% of the rest of his salary."

"Did you catch that line in the New York Post last week, speculating that if disgruntled Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury gets bought out, he'd be "a logical fit" with the Pistons because of his relationship with coach Flip Saunders from their days in Minnesota?"

"It sure is. While's Yao loss put the crosshairs squarely on Tracy McGrady, as should be the case, and T-Mac has responded, as should be the case, there has been considerable help across the board, ranging from actuarial anomaly Dikembe Mutombo to veteran rookie Luis Scola to frisky rookie Carl Landry. And just about everyone else."

"When dealing with Stephon Marbury, sometimes you've just got to Flip out. At least that was coach Flip Saunders' favored approach with Marbury when the two were together with the Timberwolves for 21/2 seasons at the start of the point guard's NBA career."

"For whatever reason (and he never really elaborated) the Knicks' prodigal point guard finally ended the Where's Waldo-like suspense about his whereabouts by gracing his team, the Garden and reporters with his presence Wednesday after reports and speculation that he's no longer welcome. He just didn't clarify much about his status other than he isn't happy with Isiah Thomas writing him off for next season, but still wants to play in New York."

"James would have one of those nights that makes everyone in New York forget all the excruciating Marbury stuff and remember that basketball was once a very big sport around here. A long time ago, the NBA had players based at the Garden who could make fans talk and chant about something besides the incompetence of management."

"Isiah Thomas spent another day dodging questions about Stephon Marbury on Tuesday. More precisely, he spent about 129 seconds dodging the questions before cutting off the interview."

"There wasn't any let-up in the Isiah Thomas-Stephon Marbury circus yesterday, with Thomas deferring questions about Marbury to Marbury himself and declaring that he expects the injured point guard at tonight's home game against the Cavaliers."

"Isiah Thomas said Tuesday that he expects the injured point guard to be in attendance when the Knicks play the Cavs Wednesday, but he might want to relay the message to Marbury. A source close to the situation told the Daily News Tuesday that Thomas has never informed Marbury that he is allowed to attend home games."

"Isiah Thomas told the media Stephon Marbury would be back at the Garden for last night's kickoff to their four-game homestand. The Knicks' injured point guard did not show. Last night, a Marbury confidant told The Post that Marbury never was personally invited to the game by Thomas."

"At the shootaround and before the Knicks’ 100-88 loss to the New Orleans Hornets, Coach Isiah Thomas refused to discuss Stephon Marbury, other than to say Marbury was allowed inside Madison Square Garden and that he expected Marbury to attend the game. Marbury never showed up."

"Stephon Marbury went AWOL again. Either that or the Knicks' soon-to-be exiled point guard is engaged in a monumental stare-down with Isiah Thomas and James Dolan."

"And so continues the bizarre madness that surrounds the Knicks, Marbury and Thomas. It is in contrast to the Hornets, a franchise that has built itself into a playoff contender, a franchise stabilized by an All-Star point guard in Chris Paul who will be their leader into the next decade."

"Allan Houston, who has become close to Stephon Marbury, told The Post the Coney Island Kid will be better off if he's not a Knick next season... Though Marbury is not invited to the Garden, a host of free-agent point guards this summer will be, including the Magic's Carlos Arroyo."

"Stephon Marbury's last season in New York - and make no mistake, that's exactly what this is - could not have been any more of a nightmare. It is a nightmare that Marbury wants to see come to a merciful end."

"Stephon Marbury has been instructed by Isiah Thomas not to attend Knicks home games - another indication of the continuing feud between the former pals, The Post has learned. According to a Marbury confidant, the embattled point guard is under a gag order by Knicks management, forbidding him from speaking to the media."

"Stephon Marbury, don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out. That was Isiah Thomas' cold message last night before the Knicks routed the Bobcats 113-89 at the Garden. Thomas strongly indicated Marbury is not in his plans for next season, though the Knick point guard has one year left on his contract."

"Isiah Thomas gave his strongest indication yet that Stephon Marbury will never again play for the Knicks. Before Wednesday night's 113-89 victory over the undermanned Charlotte Bobcats, Thomas said that the club's top priority during the offseason is to upgrade its backcourt."

"According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Knicks have been trying to deal the injured 30-year-old point guard, who has one year and a hefty $22 million left on his contract. It's been a futile attempt with zero interest, but if Marbury's conspicuous distance from his team while recovering from bone spur surgery on his ankle isn't enough evidence that this is the end of his Knicks run, being on the trading block solidifies it."

"It's definite. Stephon Marbury is out for the season. Because his ankle surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago was more complex than anticipated, Marbury will not return, according to two people with knowledge of the operation."

"Stephon Marbury had surgery on his left ankle Tuesday, a routine procedure that was described as successful, but with the ultimate outcome yet unknown. Even New York’s finest doctors cannot project where Marbury’s serpentine career is headed... The Knicks are expected to shop Marbury’s expiring contract (worth $22 million) to teams looking for salary-cap relief this summer. If that fails, they could pursue a buyout."

"As expected, Stephon Marbury Stephon Marbury underwent yesterday what the Knicks New York Knicks called 'successful' surgery on bones spurs in his ankle, leaving his Knicks career in doubt."

"Stephon Marbury underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair bone spurs in his left ankle, likely ending his dismal season and possibly his Knicks career."

"But the Knicks don't appear to want Marbury back any more than he appears to want to come back. It seems likely that Marbury will sit out the rest of the season and either get traded in the summer or work out a buyout of the $21.9 million owed to him in the final year of his contract."

"Talk about symbolism. Stephon Marbury's Starbury sneaker line is selling now at a cut-rate $7.99 in a special winter clearance at most Steve & Barry's outlets. The Starburys, which have received national acclaim, are normally priced at an already basement price of $14.98."

"Isiah Thomas raised more questions over the severity of Stephon Marbury's ankle injury when he told reporters Friday that the veteran point guard was not showing any signs of breaking down."

"Stephon Marbury has decided to have surgery for bone spurs in his left ankle, the Knicks said in a statement Thursday. The operation was expected to take place Tuesday, and Marbury will be out indefinitely, the team said...What remained unclear was whether Marbury has played his last game for the Knicks."

"Stephon Marbury will do what's best for Stephon Marbury and that is why he is ready to have ankle surgery in a few days that could be season-ending and Knicks-career-ending. Marbury, now in a walking boot, will know more after tomorrow's MRI exam."