NBA Rumors: Marbury Working On Critical Deal To Aid COVID-19-Hit New York

Stephon Marbury got his share of criticism as far as playing basketball but all these have not altered his willingness to help. Aware that his hometown is now struggling against the COVID-19 pandemic, the two-time NBA All-Star is now trying to do his share by working out a deal to deliver N95 masks for medical frontliners.

New York hospitals are suffering from shortages on masks and suppliers over there have commanded heavy prices for them. Per New York governor Andrew Cuomo via Bloomberg, suppliers are selling masks there for $7.50 despite the ongoing crisis. Marbury heard about the issue and decided to act on it from China. The 43-year-old is trying to work out a deal with a China supplier to deliver about 10 million masks which will cost only $2.75, the New York Post reported.

"This is something that is close and dear to my heart as far as being able to help New York. I have family there in Coney Island, a lot of family ... who are affected by this, so I know how important it is for people to have masks during this time," said the retired basketball player who now serves as a coach to Beijing Royal Fighters in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

New York has been hit especially by COVID-19, with over 52,000 cases as of Sunday. There are now over 120,000 cases nationwide and Starbury wants to do his part in helping his hometown. Marbury recently posted on Twitter how wearing a mask is the new norm of life and that all just have to adjust and adapt quickly for now.

Marbury hit it well over in China when he failed to come to terms with several NBA teams. He last played for the Boston Celtics in 2009 after he agreed to a buyout with the New York Knicks. Ironically, it was with the Knicks where he played the longest, 2004 to 2009.

Marbury was practically a god over in China when he came over in 2010. He has played for four different teams in his eight-year reign. After first playing for the Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, he would also suit up for other CBA teams like the Foshan Trallions, Beijing Ducks and the Beijing Fly Dragons. He retired on February 2018 before being named the Beijing Royal Fighters head coach in June 2019.