Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE)

NEW YORK -- Last summer, the Nets were politely rebuffing inquiries about Vince Carter, not ready yet to part with their highest-paid and most impactful player as part of their plan to attract major free agents in 2010.

That plan intersected with the opportunity to move Carter and the $35 million left on his contract Thursday, when New Jersey sent Carter to the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic.

It was the final blow to the core of Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Carter, who led the Nets through some of the best seasons in franchise history. It also made New Jersey a major factor in the 2010 free-agent sweepstakes and signaled to their fans in New Jersey that they're packing it in for the move to Brooklyn. The Nets also had talks with the Spurs and Cavs about Carter.

The Nets cleared more hurdles this week in making their dream of moving to Brooklyn by 2012 a reality. And by moving Carter, they put themselves $17 million in 2010 cap space closer to putting a marquee star -- or two -- in that new playpen.

The Magic? To me, the trade signals that Orlando GM Otis Smith doesn't believe he can keep Hedo Turkoglu, who will be an unrestricted free agent in a couple of weeks. Carter will join a healthy Jameer Nelson in the backcourt, but he's similar to Turkoglu from the standpoint of ball-dominance and big shot-making -- two ingredients that the Magic would've sorely missed had they not hedged their bets by replacing them.

Orlando sent Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie to the Nets for Carter and Ryan Anderson. Battie and Alston have contracts that expire after next season, while Lee and Anderson are a wash. So the Nets save $17.3 million from Carter's contract in 2010 and have only three players guaranteed money that season -- Josh Boone, Eduardo Najera, and Keyon Dooling. (They hold team options on Lee, Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez, and Sean Williams.)

The Cavs, Spurs, and Magic have struck so far with a win-next-season-at-all-costs strategy. Who's next?

Vinsanity in Orlando

Don't be so quick to assume Turk is not coming back. The Magic have made it very clear that they are willing and EXPECT to be in the land of the luxery tax for the next 3-5 years. The window of opportunity is only so small and the Magic are doing what it takes.

The real sleeper in this entire deal is Ryan Anderson. This 21 year old kid fills a huge whole for Orlando. Howard has never had a supporting, true 4 and now they get probably the best young prospect in the league.

Losing Lee was an issue but I still think this is a "now" move and not something for the long term. It reminds me of what Boston did when they went out and got Allen. The window for championships is small and you have to run through that door. Sometimes you give up something valuable to do that. The Magic, no doubt, gave up some talent in Lee.

This should be fun to watch if they resign Turk, like I think they will.

Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE)

Dear Ken Berger, Welcome to the level of douche baggery that your fellow correspondence soar to with regularity. Way to leave Kenyon Martin out of your back-to-back Finals reference and add instead a player who was not in a Nets uniform during that run. Vince Carter played in Canada at the time. Canada.

schin101 Reputation: 77 Level: Pro Since: Apr 29, 2008	Posted on: June 25, 2009 6:58 pm Score: 36 Vinsanity in Orlando It was the final blow to the core of Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson , and Carter, who led the Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals early this decade Uh when was VC in the finals? Ever hear of a guy named Kenyon Martin? [ Reply to Comment ]
DailyRich Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Nov 1, 2006	Posted on: June 25, 2009 7:05 pm Score: 67 Vinsanity in Orlando I'm good with getting Carter, but not with trading Courtney Lee. [ Reply to Comment ]
heritage08 Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 10, 2007	Posted on: June 25, 2009 7:06 pm Score: 50 Vinsanity in Orlando note to orlando, giving up one of the best young players in the country ( courtney lee) and the true guy that helped you get to the finals ( rafer alston ) and adding the most overrated player in basketball does not help you win a championship. [ Reply to Comment ]
NoCryingAllowed Reputation: 92 Level: All-Star Since: May 25, 2009	Posted on: June 25, 2009 7:11 pm Score: 115 Vinsanity in Orlando Don't be so quick to assume Turk is not coming back. The Magic have made it very clear that they are willing and EXPECT to be in the land of the luxery tax for the next 3-5 years. The window of opportunity is only so small and the Magic are doing what it takes. The real sleeper in this entire deal is Ryan Anderson. This 21 year old kid fills a huge whole for Orlando. Howard has never had a supporting, true 4 and now they get probably the best young prospect in the league. Losing Lee was an issue but I still think this is a "now" move and not something for the long term. It reminds me of what Boston did when they went out and got Allen. The window for championships is small and you have to run through that door. Sometimes you give up something valuable to do that. The Magic, no doubt, gave up some talent in Lee. This should be fun to watch if they resign Turk, like I think they will. [ Reply to Comment ]
Itwasntpinetar Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 18, 2007	Posted on: June 25, 2009 7:13 pm Score: 57 Vinsanity in Orlando Freeing up money for LeBron. Is anyone really suprised? LeBron will be in the NY/NJ area in 2010, with either the Knicks or Nets. Boo Hoo Cleveland. [ Reply to Comment ]
BUCKYOU Reputation: 95 Level: Superstar Since: Feb 24, 2007	Posted on: June 25, 2009 7:25 pm Score: 63 Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE) Thanks for the insider info Nostradumbass. Make sure you take those odds to Vegas with you. [ Reply to Comment ]
Fourth Ring Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: Jul 24, 2007	Posted on: June 25, 2009 8:02 pm Score: 88 Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE) Dear Ken Berger, Welcome to the level of douche baggery that your fellow correspondence soar to with regularity. Way to leave Kenyon Martin out of your back-to-back Finals reference and add instead a player who was not in a Nets uniform during that run. Vince Carter played in Canada at the time. Canada. [ Reply to Comment ]
magicphan Reputation: 63 Level: Pro Since: Apr 12, 2009	Posted on: June 25, 2009 8:43 pm Score: 58 Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE) I agree 100% lee was the only one stepped up in the philly series, and he wasnt too bad. he was a rookie that w3as a hot prospect.. but seriously, vince and wight are good friends, he will have no problem joining up with rest of team [ Reply to Comment ]
LouisvilleBalla Reputation: 91 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 15, 2007	Posted on: June 25, 2009 9:53 pm Score: 51 Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE) And now two hot players (Lee, T. Williams) from the state of KY will be in the big apple making waves. [ Reply to Comment ]
hdog Reputation: 93 Level: All-Star Since: Jan 14, 2007	Posted on: June 25, 2009 10:10 pm Score: 28 Vinsanity in Orlando (UPDATE) Boo Hoo? Wow where were you edumacated.Duh? [ Reply to Comment ]

Ken Berger

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