Heat, Mavs, Raptors and Others Interested in Signing Vinsanity

Too bad it’s not better than ever.

One of the most underrated NBA free agents on the market this summer is Vince Carter, who has spent his last three seasons playing for the Dallas Mavericks. According to a report from ESPN Dallas’ Tim MacMahon, there are (unsurprisingly) a number of teams are interested in adding him to their rotation next season:

There is strong mutual interest in Vince Carter’s return to the Mavericks, but several playoff teams are expected to express interest in the 37-year-old swingman.

The Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors are among the playoff teams seen as potential fits for Carter, a source said.

Carter, who averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 24.4 minutes per game last season, would be an asset to any contender after proving the last two seasons that he could excel as a sixth man and embrace a role as a leader of the bench. Carter, ranked 25th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, the rare reserve who is a threat as a creator and shoots well enough (39.4 percent from 3-point range last season) to space the floor for his team’s top scorers.

Carter, once criticized for being overpaid, was widely considered one of the league’s best bargains during his Dallas tenure after signing a three-year, $9.3 million deal.

Two words: Do it. This is applies to everyone. The Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Mavericks—everyone.

Carter will be a huge get for the team that lands him. He won’t cost much—he earned under $3.2 million last season—and he’s made the transition from larger-than-life superstar into supporting role player rather nicely. He still provides us with flashes of the old Vince—highlight dunks, acrobatic two-way plays and generally explosive awesomeness—but he’s also become more of an off-ball scorer who can spot-up from beyond the arc and play alongside rock-dominant talents.

Returning to the Mavericks would be a good fit. Obviously. He knows his role there, is familiar with Rick Carlisle’s offensive system and the Mavs still figure to be a Western Conference playoff team next season after reacquiring Tyson Chandler from the New York Knicks.

Signing elsewhere is intriguing, too. Toronto is of interest for obvious reasons. That’s where Vinsanity started. The Raptors are also in the thick of the Eastern Conference conversation after landing Lou Williams from the Atlanta Hawks—provided they keep Kyle Lowry.

The Thunder could use him badly. Carter is still talented and healthy enough to be their No. 3 or 4 scorer when the situation calls for it, and they desperately need the three-point shooting and defensive potential he offers with Thabo Sefolosha possibly leaving town.

Then there are the Heat, the most ridiculously compelling destination of all. Place him alongside Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and magic may unfold. He’s just the bargain signing they need to increase their depth and strengthen their shooting. Running him alongside Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis—assuming both return—really opens things up for the offense.

Wherever Carter lands, he’s going to help. Look for him to become one of the premier targets once this business with Carmelo Anthony, LeBron, Bosh and Wade is settled.