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Vince Carter isn't a free agent yet, but sources close to the situation say the eight-time All-Star will be thrust onto the open market shortly after the end of the lockout.
Based on an amendment in his contract obtained by ESPN.com, Carter must be waived by the Phoenix Suns within 72 hours of the official start of free agency or his $18 million salary for the 2011-12 season becomes fully guaranteed.
Carter
Carter
The Suns, sources said, have already decided to waive Carter within that window.
The Suns and Carter amended the contract in June to delay the guaranteed-salary date in Carter's final contract year until after the lockout ended. Waiving Carter inside the first 72 hours after the league's schedule start of free agency Friday means that Phoenix would only have to pay $4 million to Carter and likely ensure that the Suns avoid luxury-tax territory this season even after trying to complete the re-signing of Grant Hill and moves with other potential free agents.
The Suns' plan, sources said, is to bring back Hill if possible and make a playoff run this season, then proceed to the summer of 2012 armed with salary-cap space to make major upgrades to the roster.
Sources said the Suns have yet to receive any indication from star guard Steve Nash that he wants to be dealt to a contender, which is why management clings to the hope that the two-time MVP -- who is also headed for free agency in July 2012 -- will retire a Sun.
Carter landed in Phoenix in December 2010 when his hometown Orlando Magic dealt him to the Suns with Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, $3 million and a 2011 first-round draft pick in exchange for Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark. A month later, Carter became the 37th player in league history to reach the 20,000-point plateau, but it has long been assumed around the league that Phoenix wanted him in the deal purely for the payroll relief Carter's contract affords.
Chicago, Miami and San Antonio are expected to be among the teams interested in signing Carter, 34, once he clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent.
---------- Post added at 10:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 PM ----------
Heat interested in Battier too...
Once NBA teams can speak with free agents beginning Monday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has his franchise in strong position to sell Shane Battier on signing to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier’s strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami.
Riley and Spoelstra see Battier as a strong defender with an ability to hit the open shots that’ll come his way playing with James, Wade and Chris Bosh. Battier has been a proven playoff performer, and possesses the professionalism and maturity to navigate within the harsh glare of the Heat’s existence.
More From Adrian Wojnarowski
NBA free-agent buzz: Butler eyes Clips, Bulls Dec 2, 2011
Pacers talk with Celtics about Rondo deal Nov 30, 2011
Shane Battier helped the Grizzlies reach the Western Conference semifinals last season.
(NBAE/Getty Images)
Battier, 33, is still studying the marketplace, and how his personal scenario could change as different teams use the amnesty clause to create salary-cap space. Nevertheless, Miami currently stands as the most compelling option for him.
Based on an amendment in his contract obtained by ESPN.com, Carter must be waived by the Phoenix Suns within 72 hours of the official start of free agency or his $18 million salary for the 2011-12 season becomes fully guaranteed.
Carter
Carter
The Suns, sources said, have already decided to waive Carter within that window.
The Suns and Carter amended the contract in June to delay the guaranteed-salary date in Carter's final contract year until after the lockout ended. Waiving Carter inside the first 72 hours after the league's schedule start of free agency Friday means that Phoenix would only have to pay $4 million to Carter and likely ensure that the Suns avoid luxury-tax territory this season even after trying to complete the re-signing of Grant Hill and moves with other potential free agents.
The Suns' plan, sources said, is to bring back Hill if possible and make a playoff run this season, then proceed to the summer of 2012 armed with salary-cap space to make major upgrades to the roster.
Sources said the Suns have yet to receive any indication from star guard Steve Nash that he wants to be dealt to a contender, which is why management clings to the hope that the two-time MVP -- who is also headed for free agency in July 2012 -- will retire a Sun.
Carter landed in Phoenix in December 2010 when his hometown Orlando Magic dealt him to the Suns with Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, $3 million and a 2011 first-round draft pick in exchange for Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark. A month later, Carter became the 37th player in league history to reach the 20,000-point plateau, but it has long been assumed around the league that Phoenix wanted him in the deal purely for the payroll relief Carter's contract affords.
Chicago, Miami and San Antonio are expected to be among the teams interested in signing Carter, 34, once he clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent.
---------- Post added at 10:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 PM ----------
Heat interested in Battier too...
Once NBA teams can speak with free agents beginning Monday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has his franchise in strong position to sell Shane Battier on signing to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier’s strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami.
Riley and Spoelstra see Battier as a strong defender with an ability to hit the open shots that’ll come his way playing with James, Wade and Chris Bosh. Battier has been a proven playoff performer, and possesses the professionalism and maturity to navigate within the harsh glare of the Heat’s existence.
More From Adrian Wojnarowski
NBA free-agent buzz: Butler eyes Clips, Bulls Dec 2, 2011
Pacers talk with Celtics about Rondo deal Nov 30, 2011
Shane Battier helped the Grizzlies reach the Western Conference semifinals last season.
(NBAE/Getty Images)
Battier, 33, is still studying the marketplace, and how his personal scenario could change as different teams use the amnesty clause to create salary-cap space. Nevertheless, Miami currently stands as the most compelling option for him.
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