The New York Knicks ordered guard Stephon Marbury to stay away from the team until his future is resolved.

The 31-year-old hasn't appeared this season for the Knicks, who want to buy out the former All-Star guard's contract and end his five-year stay at the National Basketball Association team.

"We have directed Stephon not to participate in practice or attend games until further notice," Knicks General Manager Donnie Walsh said in a statement after meeting with Marbury and playersí union attorney Hal Biagas today. "We want to continue to meet with him to discuss a long-term resolution."

Marbury has balked at taking a cut in his $21.9 million contract. Last week, he was suspended without pay for one game and fined another gameís salary because the team said he declined to play in a loss to Detroit when asked by coach Mike D'Antoni. Marbury denied refusing to play.

The Knicks, who have an 8-8 record in D'Antoni's first season, have been down to two healthy point guards over the past week while waiting to complete trades for Cuttino Mobley, Al Harrington and Tim Thomas.