New York Knicks owner James Dolan recently disclosed that the franchise was close to acquiring Vince Carter before a medical evaluation halted the deal.
Speaking on The Roommates Show with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Dolan was asked about a trade that nearly happened but ultimately fell through. He revealed that the Knicks were prepared to bring in Carter but backed out after their medical staff raised concerns about his Achilles.
“We were going to do the trade,” Dolan said, via HoopsHype. “But the medical team came back and told us he had a 90% severed Achilles tendon. They said it would never hold up.”
Carter, known for his electrifying dunks and scoring ability, was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the New Jersey Nets in 2004. He went on to play five seasons in New Jersey, averaging 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game during that stretch.
Dolan reflected on the organization’s past mistakes, admitting that the Knicks had previously sought quick fixes rather than building a sustainable foundation.
“There were times when we reached for that shiny, sparkly object,” Dolan said. “Maybe this is what we need, especially when things weren’t going well. Let’s bring in this guy, and maybe he’ll turn it all around for us.”
The Knicks have taken a different approach in recent years, focusing on development and continuity. Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, New York is currently 42-23, sitting third in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
Dolan emphasized that success in the NBA requires patience rather than instant solutions.
“You have to build the team, build the organization,” Dolan said. “There is no waving a wand over a team and making it great overnight. It doesn’t happen that way.”
While Carter’s career continued for more than a decade after the failed trade, the Knicks never got to see what could have been. The revelation adds another layer to New York’s history of almost-acquisitions and what-if scenarios.
