2016 NBA Rumors: Vince Carter Returning to Toronto Raptors?

By Carlo Monzon
Vince Carter
Cleveland, OH, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Carter reacts after receiving the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in game three of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.  Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter has been in the NBA for 18 years now and various sources are saying that he's aiming to reach 20 before retiring. Although this is not yet confirmed, new rumors suggest that he might spend his last years with the Toronto Raptors.

Currently, Carter is with the Memphis Grizzlies. But, before ending up here, he began his NBA journey with the Raptors after he was acquired in 1998. This is the team where he gathered most of his achievements such as the NBA Slam Dunk Contest title and the beginning of his NBA All-Star appearances.

These are the reasons why even though he's been with other franchises throughout his career, Carter is forever linked to the Raptors. He even recently reached out to some of their key players after their gracious exit at the 2016 Eastern Conference finals.

"It was awesome," he said according to Raptor's Rapture. "I reached out to Kyle [Lowry] and DeMar [DeRozan]."

"I just told them, I was like, 'You guys are the best,' and they should hold their head up high," he added. "Because not only did they make history, they actually changed a lot of minds of a lot of people. Everybody thought they could be here."

Although Carter still has a contract with the Grizzlies for the next season, he could choose to transition to Toronto for his final year in the NBA, as noted by Hof Mag. This could be a way for him to re-live his glory days in the league and be with the team where he truly flourished.

After all, Carter can still give a lot to the game even though he's already 39 years old. The sad thing about it however, is that his role with the Grizzlies greatly changed after his starter position was taken away from him. And, once next season begins, fans can expect his role to get even smaller.

Sure, he probably wouldn't still be a starter if he returns to Toronto but it will be a nice treat to the fans to see to see the player back with the Raptors.