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The NBA trade deadline was February 24, 2005. The New York Knicks made two deals, getting rid of Nazr Mohammed, Vin Baker, Jamison Brewer and Moochie Norris, and getting Malik Rose and Maurice Taylor. Draft picks were also involved. That night, the Knicks played at home and beat the Philadelphia 76ers. InsideHoops.com and the local New York media talked to Stephon Marbury after the game about the deals.

Question: With all the trades that went on today, how nice was it to get a win?

Stephon Marbury: It was gratifying, winning today. I think when you're in a situation how we were today, you come out flat, and then you don't have guys to come in and basically fill that void, as far as off the bench scoring, and the energy. I think collectively, tonight, we did a great job.

Question: Some guys who got traded might have been friends of yours. It must be tough to lose guys.

Stephon Marbury: Yeah, it is tough, but it's a business. It's amazing how you hear teams talk about how guys aren't loyal to the organizations; this is a business. I don't know if they try to fool the public to make them think different, but it's a business first, and whatever teams have to do to get better, that's what they're going to do.

Question: What do you make of all the trades? New York's two trades?

Stephon Marbury: I think it'll help us.

Question: How so?

Stephon Marbury: We got two guys that can pretty much play inside, rebounding-wise. Malik Rose is a very physical player. He does all of the dirty work. I've played against him numerous times, when I was in Phoenix. And Mo Taylor, he's a guy who can score the ball on the block, and he can make that elbow jump-shot.

Question: Does this make you guys a better defensive team?

Stephon Marbury: I think it helps.