Vince Carter rumors: Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder & Toronto Raptors in pursuit

Dallas Mavericks’ guard Vince Carter has gone from one of the most heavily criticized players in the NBA to one of the best bargains and role players in the league.

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Carter, who at one time was one of the league’s legitimate superstars, saw his reputation tarnished because he hasn’t won a championship. When he was dealt from the New Jersey (Brooklyn) Nets to the Orlando Magic in 2009 just after the Magic appeared in the finals, many believed he could cement his legacy. Instead, he played poorly in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Magic bowed out to the Boston Celtics. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns and then signed a three-year deal worth just over $9 million with the Mavericks. He has played very well as a backup and helped the Mavericks get back to the postseason.

Now, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent. According to a report that surfaced earlier in the day, Carter is interested in playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, citing a source, reports the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors will all be in pursuit of Carter.

The Heat and Thunder are interesting because they are obviously legitimate contenders (provided LeBron James re-signs) while Carter began his career with the Raptors, who won the Atlantic Division last season.

Carter has averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 44.2% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc and 79.9% from the free throw line in his career. He went for 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 40.7% from the floor, 39.4% from three and 82.1% from the free throw line last season.

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