The Toronto Raptors stood pat prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Much like other teams that didn’t make a move, this doesn’t mean that the Raptors’ roster will look the same once the playoffs start.
As we’ve seen throughout the past several seasons, the NBA’s buyout market promises to be extensive in the coming weeks. For a Raptors team that’s right there with Boston as the top dogs back east, this could be an avenue to pursue.
Now, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, that could include bringing back all-time franchise great Vince Carter.
“Carter has been discussed internally by the Raptors, according to multiple sources, but only as one option among several,” Grange reported Thursday evening.
This would have to include the Sacramento Kings deciding to buy Carter out after the team signed him to a free agent contract this past summer.
Carter, 41, is averaging just 5.0 points while shooting at a 37 percent mark from distance on the season. Though, he would be a solid bench option out on the wing for Toronto. The 10-time All-Star spent his first seven NBA seasons with the Raptors and remains the franchise’s third-leading scorer.
It would definitely be a nice move for Carter as he continues to push on in a career that has now spanned three decades. This will be something to watch as the NBA’s buyout market builds in the coming days.