Nets send Carter home to Orlando in 5-player trade

Magic sends three players to New Jersey

Credit: AP Photo

Vince Carter poses with his new Orlando Magic jersey.

By: JournalNow Staff | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 26, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --

Vince Carter is going home to Orlando, and to the Eastern Conference champion Magic.

The New Jersey Nets dealt Carter, an eight-time NBA All Star who grew up in Daytona Beach and lives in Orlando, and forward Ryan Anderson to the Magic yesterday for point guard Rafer Alston, shooting guard Courtney Lee and power forward Tony Battie.

The trade gives the Magic another star in a lineup that already includes Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis..

Orlando hopes that Carter, who has averaged 23.5 points over a 10-year pro career, will provide Dwight Howard with a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot -- something the club lacked in losing the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers.

It's also an indication that the Magic believes its time is now.

"Vince gives us a veteran, go-to scoring presence, especially at the end of games," General Manager Otis Smith of Orlando said in a statement. "Our goal remains the same -- to win a championship. Any time you can add an All-Star to help you reach your goals, you have to do it."

The Nets get a solid backup for point guard Devin Harris in Alston and a talent who showed flashes of stardom in Lee.

Lee, a rookie from Western Kentucky last season, was a late first-round pick in 2008 and turned out to be one of the Magic's few bright spots in recent drafts. Lee started 42 games and was a solid contributor for the Magic last season, averaging 8.4 points per game.

But the Magic was willing to give up Lee to acquire Carter and clear payroll.

With Jameer Nelson already named the starting point guard for next season, the team was trying to move Alston -- and his $5.25 million contract that ends after next season.

Alston was acquired at the trade deadline from the Houston Rockets after Nelson suffered what was then called a season-ending shoulder surgery. Alston's acquisition largely saved the Magic's season, but when Nelson was able to return for the finals, Alston complained about his minutes and the point guards never could find their rhythm.

Anderson, a 6-10 forward who was the 21st pick overall in last year's draft, started 30 games and averaged 7.4 points and 4.7 rebounds.