NBA Free Agents 2014: Vince Carter Returns To The Raptors? 'Half-man, Half-Amazing' Will Finish Career With The Team That Started It All?

One of the most intriguing NBA Free Agents of 2014 is Vince Carter. At 37 years old, most people would dismiss him to retirement.

After scouring the NBA for almost a decade, he seems to have found a home in Dallas. His career suddenly resurrected playing a role that suits him. So that means there won't be any discussions about Vinsanity and we can all move on..

Hold on! From ESPN's Marc Stein comes a scoop that will warm your sentimental hearts:

"Word is that the Raptors have been kicking around the idea of making a free-agent play this summer to try to bring Vince Carter "home" by trying to sign the former face of the franchise away from the Mavericks. 

Be advised that Carter has been very happy in Dallas these past three seasons. Very happy. He's emerged as the emotional leader of Dirk Nowitzki's team at this late stage of his career and, by all accounts, wants to re-sign with Dallas. 

The Mavs, furthermore, are said to be just as interested in signing the 37-year-old to a new deal, especially after Carter capped his bargain three-year, $9 million pact with a a turn-back-the-clock series against the Spurs."

Vince Carter's departure left a bitter taste among the Toronto fan base when he 'sort of admitted' that he was not giving a hundred percent effort. His exact words all the way back from 2005 (from USA Today): "In years past, no. I was fortunate to have the talent ... you get spoiled when you're able to do a lot of things. You see that you don't have to work at it. Now, with the all the injuries, I have to work harder. I'm a little hungrier. Getting a fresh start has made me want to attack the basket."

While he did cite injuries, the bottom line is that he did not try as hard. That is probably the only time a player has ever came close to an admission. The fact that it's still an issue after nine years has scared any player from saying anything close.

This is why not all of the Toronto fans are welcome to the idea. From Reddit user 'RetartedMooseGas:' "I guess I am in the minority, but i'll say it regardless.
Vince's last season with us was despicable. I feel if a player is under contract he should play every night like he is under contract. No matter how displeased a player might be, giving anything less than 100% is not okay with me."

Apparently, the Raptors are content with the core of their team after Kyle Lowry's ascendance. Most fans see the move to acquire Carter as a marketing ploy.