NBA Rumors: Hawks Keeping Roster Spot Open for Vince Carter to Re-Sign

The Atlanta Hawks are keeping a roster spot open for Vince Carter in the event the 42-year-old wants to return for a second season with the team, according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner.

Carter announced on ESPN's The Jump in June that he intended to return for a 22nd and final NBA season:

Though free agency has been open for more than an entire month, Carter has yet to sign with a team. At this point, he is looking for the right fit.

"Just waiting for the right opportunity, and nothing has changed as far as that goal, and that dream of mine is to still play," Carter said, per Kirschner. "It's just a patient thing. I get it. I'm older. Teams are going younger. Hopefully, within the coming days, we'll have something figured out."

The eight-time All-Star did not sign with Atlanta last year until Aug. 24.

Prior to joining the Hawks last year, Carter made it clear that he was not going to spend the final part of his career chasing rings despite never having hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Instead, he wanted to find a spot that allowed him to see the court.

Carter wound up making 76 appearances for the Hawks last season, averaging 7.4 points in 17.5 minutes per game.

Though he was unable to lead Atlanta to the postseason for the first time since 2017, Carter's presence in Atlanta could prove important for the future of the franchise, as the veteran embraced a mentorship role. That's something he intends to continue to do wherever he winds up, per Kirschner:

"I just want the opportunity and whatever rookie is there, I just want to help them flourish and become whatever it is they want to become. There's a lot of great rookies out there. It’s easy to say Zion (Williamson) and (Ja) Morant. I got the opportunity to have a conversation with RJ Barrett. I've gotten to know him well, and just getting to see the kid he is, his hunger and desire is to become a good player, his willingness to learn, his willingness to ask questions—he's one guy I am excited to see how he turns out. Atlanta has drafted some pretty good rookies that had great college careers, too."

With Trae Young, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, De'Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish and Jabari Parker on the roster, it's possible there may not be as many minutes in Atlanta for Carter next season as he may want.

Of course, fans around the league may be hoping Carter returns to his roots and spends his farewell tour in a Toronto Raptors uniform. Carter said in December 2017 that "it's supposed to happen." It's not clear if the Raptors have interest as they embark upon the post-Kawhi Leonard era.