Looks like Starbury didn't like the news that the Knicks were thinking of phasing him out.
PHOENIX (AP) -- Stephon Marbury missed the New York Knicks shootaround, and it was unlikely the guard would show up for Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.
"That is an in-house matter, and we'll continue to keep it in-house," coach Isiah Thomas said when asked about Marbury's absence. "However, he is welcome back, and we want him as a member of this team."
Marbury's absence followed a story in Tuesday's New York Daily News indicating the Knicks were trying to reduce his role or get rid of him. A trade seems unlikely, because Marbury is scheduled to earn $42 million over the next two seasons.