Beijing Ducks terminate Stephon Marbury's contract after role dispute

Stephon Marbury is parting ways with the team that made him a star in China.

The Beijing Ducks and 40-year-old guard Stephon Marbury have parted ways, according to XinhuaNet.

The former NBA All-Star had his contract terminated after a dispute regarding his salary and role with the team. Marbury has led the Ducks to three CBS Championships.

Xie Haitian, the team's vice manager, noted that since Marbury was under a two-year deal, the team had the option for Marbury to serve as a player or assistant coach next season. Marbury turned down the assistant coach role and insisted that he wants to play for another year. Contract talks for a player coach role were underway before the Ducks made the decision to terminate the contract.

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Marbury wrote a letter to fans on his Weibo account and said:

"I have not decided which team yet But there is one thing I'm 100% sure of no matter the team I play for the love between me and the club is always there, we will keep working with each other in the future. No matter where I am, I am a Beijinger. Beijing is my home forever."

Marbury received a Chinese green card in 2016. He first arrived in Beijing before the 2011-2012 season. 

He played for the Knicks, Suns, Nets, Timberwolves and Celtics in his NBA career.