MILWAUKEE — Their roster depleted by trades and injuries, the Knicks finally needed Stephon Marbury to play Friday night. But when they asked, Marbury refused, driving a deeper wedge between him and Coach Mike D’Antoni.

The Knicks had only eight players healthy and present for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks — the minimum number allowed under N.B.A. rules. Marbury had to dress just to avoid a forfeit.

D’Antoni offered Marbury more than that. After the Knicks traded guard Jamal Crawford and two other players in the afternoon, D’Antoni said he approached Marbury and offered him 30 to 35 minutes of playing time. Marbury, who had spent 10 straight games on the inactive list, declined.

"When the trades went down this afternoon, I said, ‘Look Steph, one of the principals are gone, Jamal Crawford. There’s 30-35 minutes out there, and they’re yours if you want them. Are you ready to go?’ " D’Antoni said.

According to D’Antoni, Marbury replied that he "wasn’t comfortable with the situation, and he did not want to play. So at that point, I go, ‘O.K., that’s your decision, and that’s fine.’ That’s it."

The Knicks kept the game close for one half Friday but fatigue set in and they were routed, 104-87, and fell to 6-6.

D’Antoni seemed perturbed by Marbury’s decision. For the first time, he referred to the Marbury saga as a distraction.

Marbury was vague, but he did not deny D’Antoni’s version of the events.

"The only thing I’m at liberty to say is that I was told that they were moving forward and" — Marbury then took a long pause — "I’m not the person that chooses who plays and who doesn’t. That’s the only thing that I’m able to say."

Asked if he refused to play, Marbury repeated, "That’s the only thing that I’m able to say."

The consequences of Marbury’s refusal are not yet clear. D’Antoni said he did not consider it insubordination and insisted, "I’m not mad at Steph; I understand."

But the episode might prompt team officials to banish Marbury from games and practices until his fate is settled. Marbury has had preliminary talks with the team president Donnie Walsh about a buyout, but no deal is imminent.

Marbury has been fuming since opening night, when he was on the active roster but did not play. He went on the inactive list two nights later — at his own request, according to D’Antoni — and remained there until Friday.

"I thought it was an opportunity for him to play, and I was kind of hoping," D’Antoni said. "But at the same time, there’s consideration of a lot of guys in that locker room that are giving their hearts out. And those are the guys that I’m going to go on with, and those are the guys that I’m going to love, and those are the guys that are going to compete every night."