The New York Knicks are free of Stephon Marbury, and the troublesome point guard is free to join a playoff contender.

Marbury was waived yesterday by the Knicks, ending a turbulent five-year stint in which the former All-Star couldn't lead his hometown team to a single playoff victory.

The team released a statement saying an agreement between the Knicks and Marbury had been reached, but did not disclose financial terms. Knicks president Donnie Walsh has said the team and Marbury have been trying to work out a buyout.

Walsh's hope was to get something for Marbury in a trade, but with Marbury's salary of close to $21 million this season and a divisive personality, he knew a deal was improbable.

Marbury would be eligible to play in the postseason for any team that signs him because he was waived by March 1. He has been linked to the Boston Celtics, who are in need of a backup guard with Tony Allen injured.

"The Celtics are focused on defending our championship and are working day and night to finalize our playoff roster," owner Wyc Grousbeck said. "We don't have anything to announce at this point except that we intend to do everything we can to raise Banner 18."

TRAIL BLAZERS

CENTER ODEN OUT AT LEAST TWO MORE GAMES

Portland's Greg Oden will miss at least two more games because of a bone chip in his left knee.

The center was hurt in a collision during a game at Golden State before the All-Star break. The 7-foot Oden missed the rookie challenge and sat out yesterday's game in Houston and today's game in San Antonio.

Coach Nate McMillan said there was a "slight chance" Oden would participate in practice tomorrow. McMillan said he wanted to see Oden run before determining when Oden would play again.

ELSEWHERE

Spurs: Forward Tim Duncan missed the Spurs' game against the Dallas Mavericks yesterday with a sore right knee. The Spurs provided no other details in making the announcement shortly before the game.

Cavaliers: Cleveland guard Delonte West was inactive last night against Memphis, two nights after returning from a 16-game absence with a fractured right wrist. The Cavaliers said West is experiencing general soreness in the wrist and they want to be cautious with the 6-foot-3 guard, who just returned after being injured on Jan. 15.

Celtics: Boston signed free agent forward Mikki Moore. The 7-foot, 225-pound Moore was waived by Sacramento last week. He spent part of the 2002-2003 season with the Celtics.