Neither Thomas nor his players would directly confirm that report. But a representative for one Knicks player, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the general sentiment, saying that the players did not want him back because they felt as if he had quit on them. Marbury, the person said, also demanded to be traded or bought out of his contract.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/sports/basketball/17knicks-marbury.html?ref=basketball
anonymous source but Beck is pretty reliable.