NBA Free Agents 2011: Vince Carter Waived, but Perfect Fit for New York Knicks

The Phoenix Suns announced they would be waiving Vince Carter after he accepted a $4 million buyout that will make him a free agent.

With the New York Knicks agreeing to terms with free-agent center, Tyson Chandler, all that's left is for New York to find themselves a point guard and to fill out their bench.

Carter becoming a free agent is just what the doctor ordered for New York. The Knicks will have to fill their roster out with minimum salary players after using their mid-level exception and Carter could be one of the Knicks' targets.

He's never won a title so that might make Carter willing to take the veteran's minimum in order to have a legitimate shot at winning an NBA Championship. Not to mention, he will still be getting $4 million from Phoenix this season from his buyout, so Carter still has money coming in from other places.

Besides, it's not like Carter would get much on the open market.

"Vinsanity" isn't exactly a guy who will log a ton of minutes anymore and it's no secret that he's had his fair share of injuries in his career, but he wouldn't need to do much as a member of the Knicks.

Carter could log less minutes, helping him stay healthy in the process and would give the Knicks a great boost off the bench. He is also dangerous from beyond the arc and we all know how important three-point shooting is in Mike D'Antoni's system.

As it stands now, the Knicks bench will be a very young and inexperienced one, but the addition of Carter would instantly give them veteran leadership amongst their reserves.

The starting five for New York may not be finished yet, but it's never too early to put a bench together and Carter would be a perfect fit. A deep bench will only help the Knicks make a run for the NBA Finals this season.