Carter's plans for 2007-08 season still up in air

	Vince Carter, the Nets' leading scorer, could head south if he opts out of his contract after this season. Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images
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Cue up the Vince Carter Free Agency Tour. The Nets play at Orlando on Friday night, followed by a trip to Charlotte on Saturday. That means we're going to be hearing a lot of talk this weekend about Carter's future.

The All-Star shooting guard can opt out of the final year and $16.3 million left on his contract at season's end and become a free agent. If Carter were to leave New Jersey, Orlando is considered his No. 1 most likely destination. Charlotte, with oodles of cap room and fellow Tar Heel Michael Jordan calling the shots, could be Plan B.

Carter has kept mum for the most part about his future. The Nets say they intend to re-sign him at season's end and could offer him the most money. Owner Bruce Ratner even said "it was very important" to keep Carter.

But the Nets are getting ready to move to Brooklyn for the 2009-10 season, so they might decide the time is right to start rebuilding.

That's one reason many around the league say they would not be surprised if Carter wound up elsewhere next season. If so, Orlando appears to be the front-runner. Carter already owns a home in Isleworth, the exclusive gated community not far from the city. He also is said to be high on the chance to play with budding young star Dwight Howard. Then there is Florida's lack of a state income tax, always a nice bonus.

"I haven't talked to him about it, but I could see [him in Orlando]," Rockets guard Tracy McGrady, a cousin of Carter, said during All-Star Weekend. "He built a home down there, grew up 25-30 minutes away from there. ... I think it would make them a contender in the East for years to come."

The Magic, who could have some $15 million in cap space this summer (if they pass on re-signing Darko Milicic), haven't given any indication they intend to pursue Carter this summer (after all, he's still under contract to the Nets). But the Magic clearly need another scorer to go with Howard, and Magic GM Otis Smith admitted after the trade deadline that he had held discussions with the Nets about Carter. The team is also in negotiations for a new arena, and signing Carter would be a nice way to make a splashy debut.

Orlando? Charlotte? New Jersey? It's too early to tell right now. But it's safe to say Carter will be taking mental notes this weekend as he goes about his business.