It is unclear if the new Knick regime will try to trade Stephon Marbury this off-season. And if the team does move Marbury, it is not certain how much (i.e., how long) of a salary burden they would take back in such a deal. Marbury has big dollars remaining on the final year of his monstrous contract.

But it does seem clear that Donnie Walsh will not tolerate another year of distractions.

"Well, I know one thing," Walsh said. "Mike's not going to be the problem. Let's put it that way."

The personality of Marbury, the Brooklyn-born point guard, has dominated the organization since he arrived. And that has not always been a good thing. The on-court results have been disastrous since Marbury returned to play for his hometown Knicks.

Walsh wants to see leaders emerge who can help the Knicks progress, a presence the team has sorely lacked in recent years.

"The players should be policing their own team," Walsh said. "And if they can't do it, then Mike will do it or I'll do it with him."

Marbury says he is working hard to prepare for next season.

Via Newsday

New York Knicks

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