Vince Carter isn’t the high-flying big time all-star he used to be, but he could still be an asset to a team looking for a championship. Carter spent last season in Phoenix after being traded from Orlando, and now ESPN is reporting that the Suns don’t want Carter’s big contract this year. If the Suns decide to waive Carter within the first 72 hours of the free agency period, they won’t have to pay him the $18 million he’s owed this year.
“Waiving Carter inside the first 72 hours after the league’s schedule start of free agency Friday means that Phoenix would only have to pay $4 million to Carter and likely ensure that the Suns avoid luxury-tax territory this season even after trying to complete the re-signing of Grant Hill and moves with other potential free agents.”
It’s important to note that this does NOT count as the Suns’ use of the amnesty clause. This was a separate clause specifically in Carter’s contract.
So where does he go after Phoenix? The rumors have him headed to Chicago, San Antonio or Miami. Those are three championship contenders that could probably use a decent scorer off the bench. The 34-year-old Carter doesn’t have the spring in his step to win any more dunk contests, but he can still provide a few extra points with a decent point guard running the show.
The Suns are an aging team that currently doesn’t have enough talent to compete in the Western Conference. Veteran point guard Steve Nash hasn’t come out and said he wants to go anywhere else but his years are numbered so if the Suns want to make the best of what he has left, they’re going to need to make some moves quickly. Clearing out Vince Carter’s contract may help them do just that.
