After he was released by the New York Knicks, Marbury signed with the Celtics on February 27, 2009, and made his debut with the team that evening.ESPN.com: Celts Sign Marbury in Time to Play Friday

After several productive seasons with the Nets, where he averaged over 20 points a game, Marbury was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In 2004, Marbury was again traded, this time to the New York Knicks.NBA.com: Stephon Marbury Although it was thought the move to New York would be a welcome homecoming for the Brooklyn native, his tenure with the Knicks was marked with controversy and mediocre numbers. The poor play of Marbury and the Knicks led to the firing of head coach Isiah Thomas, who was responsible for the Marbury trade.

After meeting on December 1, 2008, the Knicks and Marbury failed to reach an agreement of a buyout or release for Marbury from the team. The Knicks were hoping to agree on a buyout amount with the NBA star, but after only 15 minutes of discussion, Marbury left the room without a resolution. The Knicks sent Marbury away, asking him not to participate in any team activities or functions.ESPN.com: Knicks send Marbury home after failing to agree on buyout (December 1, 2008)

On December 16, 2008, Marbury took the unusual step of buying a ticket to watch the Los Angeles Lakers play his current team the New York Knicks. Marbury was suspended by the Knicks and was later asked not to attend any Knicks-related functions.New York Post: Steph on hand in L.A. (December 17, 2008)

On January 1, 2009, news agencies reported that the Boston Celtics were interested in signing Marbury once he was released from the Knicks. The idea of Marbury rejoining his former Timberwolves teammate Kevin Garnett in Boston was thought to be a long shot since it was assumed that there was bad blood between the two. Marbury had eventually forced a trade out of Minnesota. However, Garnett never voiced any opposition to the idea.ESPN.com: Sources: Marbury, Celtics interested in deal (January 1, 2009)

On January 2, 2009, Marbury appeared at an NBA game featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves. At the game, Marbury spoke with television reporters about his desire to reunite with his former teammate Kevin Garnett in Boston. Marbury stated, "When I was younger, I had a different disposition as far as how I wanted to live life. Reuniting with Kevin is something that I would love. Going to Boston would be great for basketball and for fans to see Kevin and I reunited, like when we were younger. There is some hope, if I can get out of my contract and they're interested in me. How can you deny the chance?"ESPN.com: Marbury talks about possible move to Celtics (January 3, 2009)

On February 24, 2009, the Knicks bought out Marbury's contract for $400,000, releasing him as a free agent. His trade to the Celtics went through a few days later.The New York Times: Marbury and Knicks Agree on a Buyout (February 24, 2009)