The signing of Vince Carter to a six-year extension and the sign-and-trade deal for Hakeem Olajuwon indicate that the Toronto Raptors franchise is committed to having a contending team.

The preparatory work was done when the Raptors were able to re-sign Antonio Davis, a highly-sought-after player, as well as guard Alvin Williams and forward Jerome Williams.

It has cost the Raptors a great deal of money to get everyone under contract. I don't know what the deals do for the Raptors' budget, but my guess is they will put them in a situation where they have to pay luxury tax, something they will not welcome. The Raptors had to open the vault for Carter, but getting Davis, Williams and Williams was perhaps the decisive factor in his decision to extend his stay in Toronto.

The Raptors were one shot from the Eastern Conference finals a year ago, and they will be in contention once again. Olajuwon is obviously past his prime. He may have to accept a backup or modified role with the team, something that's hard for star players to do. It was hard for him in Houston. But he is a very compatible player who gets along with his teammates.

Olajuwon, however, has a lot of pride in his ability. Even though he had all the right answers for the people who questioned him about his reduced role, he seemed to get a bit upset if he wasn't getting the ball regularly. So it's still a factor to him.

His presence would allow Davis to play more at power forward, the position he prefers. However, he can hold his own at center and has a game that is difficult for other bona-fide centers to cope with because he can take them outside and hit the jump shot, put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket as well as rebound, run the floor, pass and block shots. If Olajuwon can channel his emotions, the end result for the Raptors can only be good.