2014 NBA free agent rumors: would the Thunder welcome Vince Carter to OKC?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, Portland Blazers, and Toronto Raptors have their sights on veteran guard Vince Carter.

Per Darnell Mayberry at The Oklahoman:

Report: Oklahoma City Thunder considering free agent guard Vince Carter http://t.co/VygRHAp0KV

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) July 1, 2014

Carter spent his last three seasons with Dallas as a sixth man where as he appeared in 81 games in each of the past two seasons, and averaged 11.9 points per game this past year. He previously had signed a $9.3 million contract that paid him $3.18 million in 2013-2014.

Why this move makes sense for the Thunder

With the Oklahoma City Thunder being short on the shooting guard position as Thabo Sefolosha and Caron Butler are testing free agency, the team needs to strengthen its perimeter shooting.

Vince Carter could fit the bill as an inexpensive option but comes with plenty of experience. Once known for his high-flying play, Carter has remade himself into an exceptional 6th man and 3-point shooter. He could play as a starter or come off the bench as sixth man player. Despite the fact that he is 37 years old, he is a reliable asset on the bench. Carter shot 39.4% from behind the arc in the last season, and 40.6% in the 2012-2013 season, and as an overall career percentage, he shot 37.8% from the 3-point line. He can be that player that the Thunder need.

Why this move does NOT make sense for the Thunder

The Thunder are interested in acquiring a defensive minded shooting guard in the mold of Sefolosha, which Vince Carter isn't. He could play as a starter, but as he is in the twilight of his career, it is questionable whether Carter can put forth 25 minutes a night for a full season AND be ready to go for a deep playoff run.

What is the likelihood of this happening?

1-10 scale: 6

The team is in need for a back up scorer on the bench, and Carter would fit in that spot especially that signing him wouldn't cost the team much. Carter actually had a lower cap number last year than Sefolosha did, so if OKC can entice him to leave the confines of Dallas for a similar number, the Thunder could promise him a big chance to contribute for a contender.

Acquisition grade

Carter is going to be valuable to some team in the post season; the question is which team is the right one for him. If his health remains solid, Carter's skillset and experience can go a long ways toward shoring up what OKC lacked last year.Also, signing Vince Carter would benefit the team more than re-signing Caron Butler as he is more constant and dependable at this stage of his career.