Marbury Done as a Celtic?

(Photo courtesy of DGA Productions)

By: Greg Payne

As of earlier this morning, here's where everything stood with Stephon Marbury:

Celtics free agent guard Stephon Marbury said to The Globe early Friday morning that he doesn't expect to be returning to Boston after receiving a disappointing one-year contract paying $1.3 million using the veteran's minimum. Marbury said his representative, National Basketball Players Association deputy counsel Hal Biagas, called to tell him about the Celtics offer on Thursday night. The 32-year-old said three other teams, which he would not disclose, are currently interested.

Marbury might have just completely contradicted himself, because on Monday, he had this to say:

"I’m not trying to get a bunch of money,’’ Marbury said. ‘‘I know Boston doesn’t have a bunch of money. I’m not seeking out teams with more money. I want to play for a championship-contending team. I can’t play for a young team that’s not in a position to compete for a championship."

Isn't 1.3 million not a bunch of money? And didn't you just say you were NOT trying to get a bunch of money? Did I misread that?

Oh yeah, and Trevor Ariza will soon be a Rocket and Ron Artest agreed to join the Lakers, in case you didn't hear. Oh, and could Allen Iverson join the Grizzlies? Apparently so. More on all of those later this afternoon.

Stay Tuned.