Gilbert Arenas vs. Vince Carter: Which Troubled Star Helps New Team More?

Gilbert Arenas vs. Vince Carter: Which Troubled Star Helps New Team More?

Today has been a huge day for NBA trades!

First, the Orlando Magic traded shooting guard Vince Carter to the Phoenix Suns in order to bring forward Hedo Turkoglu back to Orlando.

And then the Magic sent forward Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the ever-entertaining point guard Gilbert Arenas.

So many teams in the NBA have been making all kinds of big moves, but which of these teams got the better deal in this trade?

Which veteran player will help his new team more?

Read on to find out...

5. Health: Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas isn't exactly a poster-boy for impeccable health as he has battled knee and ankle injuries throughout his career.

Back in October of 2008, Arenas underwent surgery on his left knee and ended up missing 73 games.

This season, it is his right ankle that has been bothering him, but this injury is nowhere near as serious.

Even though the 28-year-old appears to be relatively healthy for the time being, his ankle could be a major liability in the future.

5. Health: Vince Carter

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 06: Vince Carter #15 of the Orlando Magic drives between Mike Bibby #10 and Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game at Amway Arena on December 6, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Vince Carter has also been prone to injury throughout his career, but his ailments usually only keep him out for a few games at a time.

However, his age could become an issue in the future as ankle and knee sprains start to slow him down.

Who is the Better Option: Vince Carter

4. Salary: Gilbert Arenas

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 19: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards hanldles the ball during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 19, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Wizards 121-95. NOTE TO USER: User expr

Gilbert Arenas stands to make around $17.7 million this year, and that number will increase gradually to $22.3 million in 2014.

This makes Arenas the ninth highest-paid player in the NBA, but the Orlando Magic were able to unload Rashard Lewis' pricey contract (Lewis is the second highest-paid player in the league).

4. Salary: Vince Carter

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 06: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Vince Carter#15 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Amway Arena on December 6, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Vince Carter is the 11th highest-paid player in the league, and he stands to make around $17.3 million this season.

But his contract will expire after the 2011-2012 season, giving the Suns a whole bunch of money to play around with.

Which Player is the Better Deal: Vince Carter

3. Attitude: Gilbert Arenas

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - MARCH 26: NBA player Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards leaves the District of Columbia Court after being sentenced March 26, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Washington Wizards star recieved two years probation for bringing guns into the W

Gilbert Arenas certainly isn't boring with his on and off-court antics.

During the preseason, Arenas admitted to faking an injury, and let's not forget about the locker room incident which left the guard suspended for the better part of last season.

He has expressed his frustrations about the Washington Wizards' attempts to phase him out, but not many players would be too happy about watching a rookie like John Wall "dougie" his way into the leadership role.

Arenas has always been very vocal with his opinions, and even though there is nothing wrong with NBA stars having larger-than-life personalities, a balance between attitude and talent must be found.

3. Attitude: Vince Carter

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Vince Carter #15 of the Orlando Magic attempts a foul shot during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Amway Arena on November 3, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

Carter has developed a reputation as a sort of "me first" player, and that kind of attitude only works in this league if your name is Kobe Bryant.

But this past year with the Magic may have humbled the aging star. Even though he may not be the scoring threat that he once was, he does seem to have a much better outlook on the game.

He worked wonders while he was playing alongside Jason Kidd, and he just might fit perfectly with another great point guard in Steve Nash.

Better Attitude: Gilbert Arenas

2. Leadership: Gilbert Arenas

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 14: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket as Baron Davis #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers lunges to steal the ball in the first half at Staples Center on December 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NO

As mentioned in a previous slide, Gilbert Arenas lost control of "his" team after his suspension and the addition of rookie John Wall.

The good news is that this move to Orlando will put Arenas back into a leadership role, and he should thrive under a new kind of spotlight.

2. Leadership: Vince Carter

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Vince Carter #15 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a basket during the game against the New Orleans Hornets at Amway Arena on October 10, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

With Steve Nash already in place, Vince Carter doesn't necessarily need to assume a leadership position with the Suns, but there is something to be said for experience.

And Carter has plenty of it.

Best Leader: Gilbert Arenas

1. Scoring Asset: Gilbert Arenas

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 14: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket past Chris Kaman #35 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half at Staples Center on December 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Leadership and attitude are great attributes for an NBA star to exhibit...

But they don't mean anything if the guy can't score.

Gilbert Arenas may have taken a backseat to John Wall, but he certainly hasn't lost his touch. Arenas averages about 17 points and about six assists per game, and even though his numbers have been dropping in recent years, a new venue may be just what the doctor ordered for this point guard.

1. Scoring Asset: Vince Carter

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON - MAY 24: Vince Carter #15 of the Orlando Magic dribbles against Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 24, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOT

Vince Carter may not be the offensive beast that he once was, but he too has some gas left in his tank.

He averages about 15 points and three assists per game, and again, these stats are down from seasons he had in the past.

But a change of scenery could help to revive this veteran.

Better Scoring Asset: Gilbert Arenas

Better Overall Asset

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - OCTOBER 27: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards on October 27, 2009 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting

Both of these players have the potential to really help their new teams, but the Orlando Magic definitely got a better player in Gilbert Arenas.

As long as he can keep his attitude in check, Arenas should take this Orlando team to a different level.