Vince Carter said on Monday that the proximity to his daughter, Kai -- or even to his off-season home in Orlando, Fla. -- would have no bearing on where he plays next season, or on the decision to opt out of his contract.

"I've been able to cope with it now, been able to make it work," said Carter, whose divorce agreement is merely awaiting signatures, with his wife getting custody of their daughter. "I don't think that's an issue. It's always great to be close, but you know, I think all my life I've been away from my family, so that's not like a big deal. It's a little different when you have a child, but at the same time, we've made it work."