Report: Knicks, Marbury discuss breakup detailsby Marc Berman, FOXSports.com
NEW YORK - Exiled Stephon Marbury was summoned Thursday morning to a 45-minute meeting with Knicks president Donnie Walsh at the team's Westchester headquarters, and the sides held preliminary discussions about a buyout, two sources told The New York Post.
Marbury, who has no agent, was joined by Players Association attorney Hal Biagas.The ball is now rolling for a Marbury-Knick divorce. A team source said an official breakup could happen in one week.
According to a source, Marbury asked Walsh for permission to talk with other clubs, and Walsh is expected to grant that wish soon. Walsh may request that Marbury agree not to sign with an Eastern Conference team.
Marbury will be on the bench Friday in street clothes when the Knicks host Oklahoma City.
It will be Marbury's eighth straight "inactive" after a DNP in the opener. Walsh has refused to waive Marbury, though coach Mike D'Antoni will not use him.
It's a decision the coach can start to justify considering the Knicks' successful 5-3 start following their 132-point explosion in Memphis on Wednesday.
Walsh probably realizes it's the opportune time to open a roster spot, especially with Danilo Gallinari potentially out for several months and Eddy Curry out indefinitely.
Releasing Marbury would give Walsh the opportunity to re-sign popular Patrick Ewing Jr., who's contemplating a move either to Europe or the developmental league.Marbury has said repeatedly he wants "every penny" of his $21.9 million salary. However, if he signs with a new team, the Knicks will save a percentage of his new contract in a complicated formula.
If Marbury signs for the minimum contract, $1.2 million, the Knicks would save $300,000. Certainly the Knicks want more of a savings.
The Marbury-D'Antoni impasse became absurd during the two-game road trip to San Antonio and Memphis, when D'Antoni chose to activate an injured Curry instead of Marbury to replace the absent Gallinari.
Marbury's friends have referred to his status with the Knicks as "being held hostage."
Miami has interest in Marbury. The Celtics could be a strong possibility, too. Marbury has said he'd be willing to back up point guard Rajon Rondo.
The Nuggets had interest but just traded for Chauncey Billups. The Clippers need point-guard help, and Marbury is a friend of Baron Davis. San Antonio is in the market for a point guard, and Marbury has the Spurs atop his list.
After the preseason, D'Antoni decided Marbury would not be able to handle a diminished role, backing up Chris Duhon, without complaint.
