ESPN is reporting that the Nets and Magic are close to a deal that would send Vince Carter to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. This obviously helps the Nets' financial situation as it clears a huge number off of their payroll. Alston and Battie are in the final years of the contracts and Courtney Lee could prove to be a nice match with Devin Harris in the backcourt.

As for the Magic, adding Carter into the mix that already has a star center (Dwight Howard) and emerging star guards (Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis would help their chances of winning a title next year significantly.


(UPDATE) Vince Carter has officially been traded to the Magic.