by Andrew on Sun Dec 29, 2002 12:40 pm
Vince Carter's injury problems certainly take away some of his trade value, but the Raptors still wouldn't have to settle for benchwarmers if they decided to trade him. Finding a taker would be difficult, as it would have to be a team that could afford to gamble on an often injured player, and could afford to give up enough to satisfy the Raptors without depleting their own roster (and making the trade for Carter an even bigger gamble).
That eliminates teams like the Knicks (who have had enough problems with injury-prone players) and the Nuggets (who would be glad of the star power and talent Carter brings, but have nothing much to offer). Perhaps a reversal of the 1998 draft day trade, sending Carter to Golden State for Antawn Jamison would work, but that doesn't really accomplish much for either team. Since Jamison is healthy, the Warriors don't really have any incentive to do it.
That's why I don't think Carter will be traded any time soon, unless a team comes along that is willing to take the risk of trading for him, and has suitable players to send in return - and add the salary cap as a factor. Right now, there's no one who answers the description of an ideal partner in a Carter trade that is willing to trade any of their better players.