The disappointing 2017-18 NBA season for the Orlando Magic continued with their 105-99 loss to the lowly Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. Once again, head coach Frank Vogel was reminded about what could have been, especially after seeing Vince Carter on the opponents' side.

Carter made the decision to join Sacramento in free agency last summer after a three-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it seems Orlando was also in the running to sign the 19-year veteran, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

“We had interest in bringing him here this offseason and were outbid by Sacramento,” Vogel said.

“They got a lot bringing a guy like Vince Carter in with his leadership. He can still play. It’s clear every time you watch him. He’s still a good basketball player on the floor, not just an experience guy. He still gets it done.”

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Carter spent more than a season with the Magic from 2009-11. Now, it seems a return was nearly in the books for the eight-time All-Star.

Although Carter mustered up just four points in the win over the Magic, he made his presence felt with six assists and three steals. It is that kind of intangibility that Vogel had likely been referring to when they tried to sign him.

Carter had joined the Kings knowing that he'll mostly be relied on to become a mentor to his young teammates. However, that's not discounting the possibility of him being shipped at some point and he has since been attached to a number of trade rumors.