The Boston Celtics are one of a handful of teams, according to sources close to the situation, who have expressed interest in embattled Stephon Marbury if the point guard is bought out by the New York Knicks.

Marbury, who was told by the Knicks earlier this month to stay away from the team until a resolution is arranged, has also fielded interest from Miami, Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers, according to league sources.

Most of the teams are offering the minimum salary for the rest of the season, according to one source. The Celtics could offer the remainder of the mid-level exception, which is approximately $2 million, but that’s highly unlikely since the addition would wind up costing Boston $4 million since they are over the luxury tax.

Marbury, 31, could be bought out of his $22 million deal by the Knicks – where he has spent the last five years after being traded in 2004. There’s little chance that Marbury plays another game in a Knicks uniform.

Celtics boss Danny Ainge, according to the source, is legitimately interested in bringing Marbury on board because of his ability to handle pressure defenses – an area where backup Eddie House has struggled.

Marbury was an All-Star in 2001 and 2003 while with the New Jersey Nets and averaged 13.9 points and 4.7 assists in 24 games last season in New York. However, he has clashed with former coaches Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas since arriving in New York and hasn’t played a game for new coach Mike D’Antoni after losing the starting point guard job to Chris Duhon prior to the start of the season.

Ainge believes the locker room is strong enough – with veterans Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen – to handle the addition of the enigmatic Marbury.

The Celtics have won 14 straight games and are off to the best start in franchise history at 22-2, but Ainge is someone who rarely sits pat if he feels as though there’s an opportunity to improve the team.

Jeff Goodman is a senior basketball writer for FOXSports.com.