Vince Carter to Magic?

Vince Carter has joined Amare Stoudemire and Rajon Rondo on the “superstars on the trading block” list.

This according to ESPN.com: Vince Carter to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie. Apparently, the talks have gotten so serious that a deal could be done by the end of the day.

“As for the Nets, the move is a cost-cutting measure. Both Alston and Battie are in the last year of their contracts, and trading for them would shave $16.5 million of New Jersey’s roster in the summer of 2010 and put the Nets well below the salary cap.”

This trade makes sense for both teams. For the Magic, trading for Vince Carter would allow them to let Hedo Turkoglu walk in the off-season. Carter, despite being two years older, is a much better player than Hedo. Carter averaged 21, 5, and 5 for the Nets last season. Also, I think this move puts the Magic ahead of the Cavaliers who have recently added Shaq.

For the Nets, shedding Alston and Battie’s salary will allow them to explore options and be creative in the summer of 2010. Alston can be a capable backup behind Devin Harris this season and Courtney Lee is an above average perimeter defender who had a nice rookie season averaging 8 points.

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4. Our First Trade of The NBA Off-Season!
5. Can the Knicks Land CP3 and LeBron?