Nets officially re-sign Carter

Carter opted out of the original contract he signed with New Jersey on June 30 before agreeing to a four-year deal on July 1.

"In my 2 1/2 years here its been wonderful," said Carter. "We accomplished a lot of things, but we still haven’t reached where we wanted to go yet. I felt like the job wasn’t done so I had to come back and finish my duty and my job here."

The deal is worth a reported $61.8 million, with the Nets will holding an option for a fifth year.

"We are very pleased to re-sign Vince," said Nets president Rod Thorn. "He has been an integral part of the success that the Nets have enjoyed since he joined us in 2004, and we look forward to Vince’s continued productivity and unique, exciting style of play as a member of Nets basketball."

Carter, an eight-time All-Star, led the Nets in scoring last season, averaging 25.2 points per game. He also averaged six rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest. In 12 playoff games, Carter netted 22.3 points per game.

"This is a very significant day for the Nets franchise," said Nets principal owner Bruce Ratner. "Vince is a cornerstone of the team’s success and a true star on and off the court. I appreciate everything that he does for the organization and the excitement that he brings to our fans. His new contract represents our continued commitment to being a winner and I’m thrilled that Vince and his family will be part of the Nets for years to come."

Carter was taken with the fifth overall pick in the 1998 draft by Golden State before being traded to Toronto for Antawn Jamison. He averaged 18.3 points and 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists in his first season and was named Rookie of the Year. The Nets originally acquired the rights to Carter in December 2004 in exchange for Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first round draft picks.

Carter has averaged 24.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in nine NBA seasons with Toronto and New Jersey.