Toronto -- That old line about why folks shouldn't assume clearly applies to Vince Carter.

It seemed logical that Carter would let his contract with the Toronto Raptors run out after this season, then move on to a mega-stage, meaning New York or Los Angeles.

But the reality is Carter never intended to go anywhere, especially after key teammates Antonio Davis, Alvin Williams and Jerome Williams signed new deals over the summer. In what Jerome Williams called a "domino effect," Carter signed an extension of his own over the summer, insuring the Raptors of his services through 2007-08.