34 years old, production trending down, 3 more seasons at $5.272 cap (actual salary is lower). Why are they interested?
I imagine anyone trading for Carter is hoping for a bounceback and in insulating him in a different role than 2C on the Kings (kind of like when we picked him up from CBJ and said "you're a winger now, just go score"). Also as you point out his actual salary is lower. Wouldn't be surprised to see LA retain, too.
It's very strange how he fell apart this year given last year, after he came back from injury, he scored right along his career pace. Part of the Kings' sloppy story for this year, I suppose. But as for "why" they are interested, if the GM is an optimist, he sees a chance to buy low on a 30g, 60p, elite two-way 2C.