"Vince Carter won't get a chance to lead the Nets back to the playoffs, but they hope his departure will help them land a superstar next summer.

The Nets traded Carter, their best and most popular player, and young forward Ryan Anderson to the Orlando Magic for guards Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston and veteran big man Tony Battie on Thursday. The Nets also received trade exceptions worth $3.7 million and $1.2 million that they have one year to use.

Getting rid of Carter could mean a third straight season without postseason basketball. But cutting his salary - $33.6 million guaranteed for the next two seasons - opens up about $17.5 million next summer when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire can become free agents. Lee, the No. 22 pick in last year's draft, is the only player they acquired signed beyond this season.

"This is not a salary dump," Nets president Rod Thorn said. "This doesn't only put us in a terrific position salary-cap wise, but we also get a terrific young player. This is not a salary dump.''

The Nets took a step backward talent-wise, but addressed some needs with the trade and by drafting Louisville swingman Terrence Williams on Thursday - and gained the all-important flexibility for 2010.

But if the Nets aren't competitive or don't get the Brooklyn arena deal done, some of the league's biggest stars may not want to come, especially when more than half the league potentially will have cap room next summer.

"I think we're going to be better than a lot of people think," Thorn said.

This was the second straight year the Nets made a major draft day deal, and likely the second straight year they disappointed their fans.

The Nets sent Richard Jefferson to the Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons last year. It was an unpopular move, done in part to free up money for 2010."