Ten Best Trades in Toronto Raptors History
By Go Paolo
10. Vince Carter (and cash considerations) from Golden State for Antawn Jamison – June 24, 1998
The Raptors could have drafted Carter, or they could have still acquired him with a side of cash. That’s exactly what General Manager Greg Grunwald did.
The trade was made during Draft Night.
Toronto drafted Jamison with their fourth-overall pick then subsequently traded him to Golden State after the Warriors took Carter with the fifth pick. The UNC teammates then made the eponymous hat switch onstage as the trade was announced.
Jamison carved out a nice career for himself averaging 20.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in five seasons with the Warriors. His best season came in 2000-01 where he averaged a career-high 24.9 points while playing 41 minutes. Unfortunately, it didn’t mean much as Golden State continued to lose.
While Jamison was a solid player, he wouldn’t have altered the franchise the same way “Vinsanity” did.
Carter played seven seasons with Toronto averaging 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He became Rookie of the Year, won the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, and represented the Raptors in the All-Star game five times from 2000 to 2004.
To this day, Carter is still considered the franchise’s greatest and most important player.