Other Sports Nets deal Carter to Magic for Alston, Lee

whoaskew · 06-25-2009, 05:20 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9...or-Alston,-Lee

Just hours before the NBA Draft, the Magic may be making the biggest move of the day.

Orlando has agreed in principle to trade Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for eight-time All-Star Vince Carter, the Orlando Sentinel reported on its Web site. The Associated Press reported that forward Ryan Anderson would also go to the Magic.

Carter, 32, grew up in Daytona Beach and lives in Orlando.

If the deal goes through, it would mark the second straight year that Nets have made a big draft-day deal. New Jersey traded Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee last year for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

The trade would give the Magic another star in a lineup that already includes Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. The deal might also convince Hedo Turkoglu, who can opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1, to remain with the Magic.

If the trade goes through, it would give New Jersey some $18 million in salary cap relief for the 2010-11 season.

Orlando is hoping Carter will provide center Dwight Howard with a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot — something they lacked in losing the NBA finals to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Magic also gave up a promising young guard to get Carter.

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View more photos >>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 were 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 looking 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.

The Magic's biggest cost-cutting move is parting ways with the 33-year-old Battie, who will make $6.2 million next season in the final year of his contract.

Carter's departure would end the era of the Nets' Big Three. Point guard Jason Kidd was traded to Dallas early in 2008 and Jefferson was dealt to the Bucks four months later.

Carter, a proven offensive force who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 80 games last season, carried most of the load for New Jersey along with point guard Devin Harris and rookie Brook Lopez.

Anderson, a 6-foot-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.

06-25-2009, 05:20 PM	Topic Starter
whoaskew Starter Join Date: Jul 2005 Casino cash: $6891930	Nets deal Carter to Magic for Alston, Lee http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9...or-Alston,-Lee Just hours before the NBA Draft, the Magic may be making the biggest move of the day. Orlando has agreed in principle to trade Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for eight-time All-Star Vince Carter, the Orlando Sentinel reported on its Web site. The Associated Press reported that forward Ryan Anderson would also go to the Magic. Carter, 32, grew up in Daytona Beach and lives in Orlando. If the deal goes through, it would mark the second straight year that Nets have made a big draft-day deal. New Jersey traded Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee last year for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. The trade would give the Magic another star in a lineup that already includes Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. The deal might also convince Hedo Turkoglu, who can opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1, to remain with the Magic. If the trade goes through, it would give New Jersey some $18 million in salary cap relief for the 2010-11 season. Orlando is hoping Carter will provide center Dwight Howard with a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot — something they lacked in losing the NBA finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic also gave up a promising young guard to get Carter. Must-read:Kriegel: Shaq's legacy is on the line Whitlock: No need for Tiger to be hero Must-see:Highlights of Manny in minors Can you afford a luxury suite? Top headlines:Report: Nets deal Carter to Magic Shaq to Cavs, will pair with LeBron Del Potro out; Roddick, Venus roll All of today's top stories >>Worth a thousand words:Best father-son tandems Father's Day celebrity sightings Maxim's Hometown Hotties View more photos >>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 were 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 looking 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. The Magic's biggest cost-cutting move is parting ways with the 33-year-old Battie, who will make $6.2 million next season in the final year of his contract. Carter's departure would end the era of the Nets' Big Three. Point guard Jason Kidd was traded to Dallas early in 2008 and Jefferson was dealt to the Bucks four months later. Carter, a proven offensive force who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 80 games last season, carried most of the load for New Jersey along with point guard Devin Harris and rookie Brook Lopez. Anderson, a 6-foot-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.
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