Nets' Carter Opts Out of Deal ; All Signs Indicate He'Ll Stay in N.J.

Jun 30, 01:15 PM

Current Headlines: By AL IANNAZZONE, STAFF WRITER

Vince Carter will be free to go to whatever team he wants on Sunday, but the All-Star shooting guard isn't expected to leave the Nets.

According to league sources, Carter opted out of his contract Friday, one day before today's deadline, and will become a free agent on Sunday.

It's no surprise Carter did that. The Nets, who officially will announce today that Carter opted out, expected him to forgo the final year and $16.3 million owed him. The only stunner would be if Carter somehow winds up with another team.

Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on Sunday. At that time, the Nets are expected to offer Carter a guaranteed four-year deal with a partial guarantee for a fifth year for a total of $65 million guaranteed.

Nothing is agreed upon, but multiple NBA sources say it's a formality, and that Carter's camp could say yes as early as Sunday.

The only foreseeable holdup is team president Rod Thorn will be out of town this weekend. But Thorn will carry his cellphone with him and is expected to speak with Carter's agent, Kurt Schoeppler, on Sunday. If not, the agreement may have to wait until Monday or Tuesday.

"He said he wants to play here and we certainly would like to sign him," Thorn said. "Hopefully we can."

Thorn continues to be cautious and often says until a contract is signed, it's not signed. But all indications are Carter, who is a favorite of owner Bruce Ratner, will put his name on a new deal on July 11, the first day teams can sign free agents. If so, the Nets likely would have a news conference for Carter on July 12.

"Vince is not going anywhere," a person close to Carter said.

"He's going to be a Net," another source said. "It's virtually a done deal. It's going to happen."

The Nets were permitted to negotiate with Schoeppler on an extension until today's deadline, or when Carter opted out. Since they couldn't agree on an extension, Carter will get a new deal.

Schoeppler did not return phone calls seeking comment.

All season, it was believed the Nets could face some competition from Orlando or Charlotte, two teams under the cap and closer to Carter's Florida home. But both teams are operating as if they don't want Carter or don't think he's leaving the Nets.

The Bobcats acquired Jason Richardson on draft night so they have no need for Carter. The Magic are expected to make their first pitches to Rashard Lewis and Chauncey Billups, but also want to re- sign Darko Milicic, so they likely wouldn't have the money for Carter anyway.

Carter has been acting as if he's not going anywhere.

He's been practicing and working out at the Nets' facility and is planning to hold his basketball camp there in August. Next week, when the Nets go to Orlando for summer league, they're expected to work out and practice at Carter's nearby home. Carter also may take part in some individual workouts.

Once Carter is locked up, the Nets, who drafted 6-foot-10 Sean Williams on Thursday, will try to add more size.

They would like to re-sign Mikki Moore, but also are trying to get bigger through trades.

The Nets discussed sending Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal. The Pacers are sitting on this. They would rather ship O'Neal to the Los Angeles Lakers rather than have him stay in the Eastern Conference.

***

Priority list

1. Re-sign Carter: Vince Carter opted out of his contract, but the Nets are not worried about losing him. He could agree to a four- year deal by Sunday.

2. Get bigger: The Nets did by taking Sean Williams in the draft, but they want a proven big man. He's not a free agent, but they made a bid for Jermaine O'Neal. Richard Jefferson will continue to be shopped for that elusive inside force.

3. Get more for less: They want to keep Mikki Moore, but won't get in a bidding war. They also want a third-string point guard/ shooter and if they lose Moore, a low-priced big man.

Al Iannazzone

***

E-mail: iannazzone@northjersey.com

(c) 2007 Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.