Sources: Mobley to announce retirement on Thursday

Guard Cuttino Mobley is expected to retire because of a heart condition, sources told 1050 ESPN Radio in New York. The Knicks have called a news conference for 1 p.m. ET Thursday afternoon with Mobley.

Mobley made the decision after going through a number of medical tests since he was dealt from the Clippers to the Knicks in the Zach Randolph trade on Nov. 21. Mobley retires as a Knick, even though he never played a game for them.

Mobley, 33, has played 11 years in which he averaged 16 points and 2.7 assists per game. He played with four teams before being dealt to New York.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh declined to confirm or deny Mobley's decision.

"He'll make the announcement," said Walsh, adding he would not presume.

When Walsh signed off on the Randolph trade, he knew that Mobley needed to have more tests on his heart. The Knicks still made the trade largely because by dealing Randolph for Mobley and Tim Thomas, they cleared Randolph's $17.3 million salary for 2010. This will allow them to make a run at LeBron James and the rest of the 2010 free agent class.

Mobley reportedly was being tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is the condition that took the lives of Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers.

"Personally, I think it's the best decision if he has to retire," Thomas said after the Knicks' 121-109 victory over New Jersey.

"I mean, basketball's been great to him. He has made a lot of money, he had success and at this point he's in his 11th year or whatever, so I mean, he has a son and his family, and the most important thing is his health. He can always come around and be around and things like that, but the most important thing is his health."

Andrew Marchand is the Managing Editor of 1050 ESPN Radio in New York. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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