WALTHAM, Mass. — Former New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury cleared waivers Friday, paving the way for him to sign with the Boston Celtics.

Marbury, who hasn't played a regular-season game in more than a year, was expected to be in uniform for the Celtics' home game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

"I believe all systems are go and we will have Stephon on the roster later today," Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck said in an e-mail to The Associated Press about an hour after Marbury cleared waivers.

The former All-Star, who alienated Knicks management, teammates and fans, agreed to a buyout of his $20.8 million contract with the Knicks. He was expected to sign for a pro-rated share of the veteran's minimum.

In Boston, Marbury would back up Rajon Rondo at point guard, a role Sam Cassell served when the Celtics won their 17th NBA title last season. Eddie House, who is more of a shooter, has been forced into the role this year; Cassell did not play in a game for Boston this year before he was traded to the Sacramento Kings and released last week.

Marbury took a long leave of absence from the Knicks when his father died in December 2007, then had season-ending ankle surgery and has not played since Jan. 11, 2008.

He returned to the Knicks in training camp, but when the sides tried to negotiate a buyout early in the season, Marbury at first refused to surrender any more than $1 million of his $20.8 million salary and the team told him to stay home until it could be completed.

Even before the final breakdown, Marbury was at the center of controversy during his five years in New York, from feuding with coaches to skipping games.