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Boston Celtics Stephon Marbury speaks at a news conference in Boston - Source: Reuters -
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Former NBA All Star guard Stephon Marbury has rejected a move to the Miami Heat to re-sign with China's Shanxi Zhongyu.
Local media reported that the 33-year-old would stay after penning a three-year contract with the "Brave Dragons", who have agreed to help him promote his athletic shoe brand in China.
"Shanxi Zhongyu makes a quality offer," Marbury told the state-run Xinhua news agency.
"(Miami) wanted a point guard but I don't think a point guard would do much in the team as they've already had the three guys (Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh)."
Marbury, who played a half season with the Shanxi Zhongyu last campaign, averaged 19.3 points, 7.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds in his 13 years in the NBA.
The former Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics point guard had been linked with a return to the NBA.
But Marbury's deal in China offers him the opportunity to promote his "Starbury" brand of shoes in the country's booming athletic apparel market.
