Stephon Marbury is working on a deal that could potentially deliver 10 million N95 masks to New York City. However, he is having coordination issues creating a deal between a Chinese company and the City of New York.
Marbury played in the NBA for 13 seasons, including five with the Knicks, before joining the CBA, where he played from 2010 to 2018 before becoming a coach last year. Marbury currently coaches the Chinese Basketball Association’s Royal Fighters.
“At the end of the day, I am from Brooklyn,” said Marbury to The NY Post. “This is something that is close and dear to my heart as far as being able to help New York.”
Marbury also said that he arranged for a supplier in China to sell the masks for $2.75 each. According to him, that is nearly two-thirds less than their standard price tag.
“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.”
Marbury reached out to Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams to help coordinate the sale. However, Adams reportedly said that he was initially informed by city and state officials that they did not need the masks.
