Knicks' Trade for Vince Carter Revealed as Missed Chance

New York Knicks owner James Dolan recently revealed that the team almost traded for NBA star Vince Carter in 2004, but the deal was aborted due to medical concerns about Carter's Achilles tendon. The Knicks' medical team warned that Carter had a 90% severed tendon, which they believed would not hold up, potentially ruining his career if it ruptured. Despite these concerns, Carter went on to have a long and successful career, playing an additional 15 seasons without any Achilles issues. After the trade fell through, Carter was instead traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he continued to excel, becoming a key player and All-Star. The Knicks, meanwhile, missed the playoffs for several years, a period Dolan now reflects on with regret for missing out on Carter's talent. Dolan's comments were made during a podcast with Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.