Carter: 'I plan on coming back one more season'

Vince Carter isn't ready to hang up his sneakers quite yet.

Even after 20 NBA seasons spread over six teams, the league's elder statesmen thinks he still has something left in the tank.

"I plan on coming back next season," Carter wrote, per The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears. "I plan on coming back one more season. I’m almost 90 percent sure that’s it after next season. … You kind of go through the season, especially when the end is near and you say, ‘Hey, how do I feel?’ The summertime kind of dictates it all."

Playing the final regular-season game of a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, the 41-year-old has embraced being a veteran presence off the bench in recent years, lending a steady hand to teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies as he's settled into the third act of his playing career.

This year, Carter is averaging 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.6 minutes for a team full of raw talent but short on experience.

Related - A tale of 2 careers: How Vince Carter forged his own path into NBA lore

As for where he might ply his trade next season, Carter understands the importance in maintaining a patient approach.

"I know how it will work and I know teams are going to do what they do, go through the draft, make their trades and cuts and whatnot," Carter reasoned. "Then it’s my time. I just have to wait. I get it. You know what I’m saying? So, I just have to be patient. I have to make sure that I’m prepared to go. And then go from there.

"It’s just all about timing and what’s the right decision or what makes sense. I’m sure there will be a lot of teams that’ll make moves and have spots available and are going to need something from a guy. Hopefully that I can bring to the table. Yeah, I’ll be ready."