The National Basketball Association players union may try to help end the New York Knicks' stalemate with guard Stephon Marbury, agency chief Billy Hunter said.

"We may be engaging the team in trying to see if there's some kind of mutually beneficial position that the parties can arrive at," Hunter said in a telephone interview. "Maybe there's somebody willing to trade for him. Maybe you can do a buyout. It depends on the parties."

Knicks President Donnie Walsh said yesterday that he planned to speak with coach Mike D'Antoni and Marbury, who hasn't played in the team's first three games this season.

Knicks spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz declined to comment on Hunter's remarks.

D'Antoni, in his first season with the rebuilding Knicks, has made it clear that, barring injury, he doesn't envision a role for the point guard, a free agent after the season who is being paid more than $21 million annually.

Marbury was inactive for last night's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden, sitting on the bench in street clothes.

"When it comes to whether a coach is inclined to play him, that's a different issue," Hunter said. "That's a sacrosanct area in the relationship that we're not free to invade."

According to Hunter, the 31-year-old Marbury isn't willing to accept a contract buyout for less than what he's owed.

"He isn't inclined to accept 80 cents on the dollar," Hunter said. "Our principal role is to make sure he gets paid."

Clashes With Coaches

A buyout would allow Marbury, who has clashed with coaches in the past, to sign with another team. Marbury has averaged 19.7 points and 7.8 assists in 12 seasons with Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix and the Knicks.

Hunter said he is monitoring the developments daily to gauge whether "something develops that enables us to take a more aggressive role."

The Knicks have lost two straight since winning their season opener. They next play in two nights at home against the Charlotte Bobcats.