Mavericks Need To Keep Vince Carter

Even after the huge offer sheet the Mavericks agreed to with Rockets restricted free agent Chandler Parsons worth 3 years for about $46 million, the Mavs are still confident in their ability to retain their sixth man Vince Carter, according to sources.

Carter, who has played exceptional as Jason Terry‘s sixth man replacement for the Mavericks the last two years, has received interest from other contenders, such as the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder. But Carter has insisted that he would prefer to come back to Dallas because of the organization and culture in Big-D.

The money is an issue however after the Parsons deal, which is not guaranteed itself. The Rockets have three days starting July 10 to match the offer, but the Mavericks made a pretty enticing deal, making Parsons earn over $15 million a year, $5 million more than Dirk Nowitzki. That just sounds crazy when you think about it, doesn’t it?

With $15 million in cap space spent on Parsons, the Mavericks don’t have any room to sign other players and will have to hope that Carter signs for a cap room exception of almost $3 million. However, Carter earned around $3 million for the last three years, and it was assumed that, because of his resurgence in Dallas, he would want a raise. Carter, though, has stated that he loves playing for the Mavericks, and it seems like Dallas has convinced him to stay.

In my opinion, resigning Carter should be a big priority for the Mavericks if they want to move up in the highly competitive Western Conference. While Vin-Sanity may not be half man, half amazing any more, he still led a Mavs bench that was one of the best in the league last season, especially in the first round playoff series against the Champion Spurs.

Carter was a legitimate sixth man candidate last year, averaging around 12 points while shooting around 40% from three. Carter also brings veteran leadership, instant chemistry, and the occasional revving of the motor after a tomahawk slam.

I especially loved seeing his connection with Brandan Wright grow on that signature high screen-and-roll play. And I don’t think Mavs fans can forget that miraculous buzzer beater form the corner in Game 3 to beat San Antonio. Amazing.

While Carter will receive much attention from other teams, I don’t see him leaving the Mavericks. The Mavericks need him to give a spark off the bench, and it looks like they are sure that he’ll be back. Good news for the Mavs fans.