Where will Stephon Marbury end up: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Europe, or Miami?

What now for Stephon Marbury?

After struggling in his four previous NBA stops, the controversial guard looked happy auditioning for the Boston Celtics. Marbury had a few moments on-court, behaved off-court, and, all things considered, adjusted to life as a reserve on an elite team.

In July, he enters free agency. And after earning more than a hundred million dollars over his career, re-signing with the storied green-and-white for below market value would seem a formality.

Not so fast. Cooney Island’s finest has never been an easy read, so expect the unexpected this summer. And competing for a championship and being happy might take a back seat to something else.

Where will ‘Starbury’ sign? Like all free agents, it’s about matching his priorities, whatever those are, with an interested team.

Money matters, especially when a veteran is nearing the end of his career. And Marbury could take the most lucrative offer. Unfortunately, no NBA team, even a struggling franchise, will pay him a star salary, but a European club, in need of a marketable American, may be a different story.

Some contenders will come sniffing. After all, Marbury proved with Boston he could accept a supporting role for an elite team. However, the circumstances must be right. So, only winning squads with an established coach and star players can get away with offering the veteran’s minimum. If winning is the combo guard’s main concern, he should just return to the Celtics.

Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami might have interest in Marbury. All of these teams are competitive and will need help at the one-spot. Mike Bibby and Jason Kidd might leave the Hawks and Mavericks as free agents, while the Heat need a platoon option to split minutes with Mario Chalmers.

Of the three, Dallas is the front-runner. Marbury and the defensive-minded Rick Carlisle don’t appear a fit. However, Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban is friends with Marbury and would love the publicity. Perhaps, Team Cuban will offer part or all of the Mid Level Exception.

As always, there are questions surrounding Marbury. We only know one thing about his future: whatever happens, it will be interesting.

Where will Marbury end up? Atlanta? Boston? Europe? Dallas? Or Miami? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for further NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of dgaproductions.