by MARC BERMAN , The New York Post

The unsigned Szczerbiak told The Post yesterday he underwent knee surgery three weeks ago at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and is seriously considering retiring in the coming weeks.

The surgeons have told the Cold Spring Harbor product another knee injury could affect his ability to lead a normal life because he lacks enough cartilage in the knee after three surgeries.

A source said the decision's been all but made to retire because he wants to be able to play with his kids. But Szczerbiak said yesterday an official decision hasn't been reached.

"I'm not ready to sign my retirement papers yet," he said. "The doctors have their opinions. I'm getting my body right and see where that takes me. Basketball's been very generous to me financially. It's not about the money."

After spending the past two seasons with Cleveland to finish his $63 million contract, Szczerbiak, 32, spoke this summer to the Knicks about a one-year deal.

"It's a place I would've loved to play," Szczerbiak said. "There was no place I'd rather play on the road or home."

Szczerbiak will rehab in New York head in December to Cleveland, where he owns a place and will look into broadcasting opportunities.

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Eddy Curry has not been cleared for practice yet, but it's coming soon. Team president Donnie Walsh said Curry will be reevaluated Sunday, and that he expects him to be practicing by Tuesday.

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