KINGS SIGN CARTER, 40

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.» The Kings signed guard Vince Carter, the team announced Monday.

Carter, who entered the league with the Raptors in 1998, is joining his seventh team. He played the last three seasons in Memphis, where he averaged 8.0 points and 1.8 assists per game last season.

The 40-year-old Carter ranks 27th all time in points scored (24,555), fifth in 3pointers (2,049) and 13th in games played (1,347).

Carter set records for a player 40 and older last season, passing Michael Jordan as the oldest to score 20 points off the bench at 39 years and 287 days against Denver on Nov. 8, only to surpass the mark six days later with 20 points at Utah. Hardaway, Knicks take 2. NEW YORK» The Knicks reached back to their past to sign Tim Hardaway Jr., a former first-round pick who didn’t fit under Phil Jackson but, they hope, a player who can flourish without him.

Jackson and the Knicks parted ways last month after three dismal seasons and were quiet at the start of free agency until signing Hardaway to an offer sheet for a four-year, $71 million contract. The Hawks then didn’t match the offer.

Footnotes. The Lakers decided to rest Lonzo Ball because of a groin injury, sitting him out of their NBA Summer League game in Las Vegas against Sacramento and fellow rookie point guard De’Aaron Fox. … The Cavaliers signed free agent guard Jose Calderon to a oneyear contract.