Spotrac.com :: What If?

Ray of Hope in Cleveland

With the NBA Free Agency season officially starting today, and one of the deepest list of available superstars, all eyes will focus on Cleveland and their pitch to trap their hometown hero. All signs point to big names being pitched around, but one not being mentioned is Ray Allen. Allen has quietly shot the Boston Celtics into deep playoff runs for continuous years now, and he may be just the right medicine for Lebron to stick around town.

July 1, 2010: Championships or Money

July 1, 2010: a defining moment in NBA history begins.  With many NBA all-stars heading into the open free agent market such as LeBron, Wade, Nowitzki, Stoudemire, Johnson and Bosh to name a few, the NBA is embarking on a time that could change the face of the NBA as we know it.  We shall see which means more to these all-star players: championships or money.  Do they compromise making more money in order to have a supporting cast to win championships or is this the time to take the greatest deals and run with the money regardless of possible wins?  What if these all-star NBA standouts decide to come together and combine their talents to take over the NBA to create a winning team?  This could be a moment in NBA history where we have some of the greatest players landing on the same team.  Can you imagine a team with LeBron and D-Wade?  What if one of these players decides to go to LA with Kobe, or land in Denver with Melo?  

July 1, 2010: Championships or money, that is the question. 

Brady throwing to T.O.?

From Red, White and Blue to Red, White, and Blue? While there is still time for a team to sign T.O., which team is willing to take a chance on the wide receiver?  New England would be a great place to T.O. to land.  Some might say they would never sign him because of antics on the sideline and his abrasive attitude.  However, weren't we saying the same thing about Randy Moss?  T.O. could complement Moss with the deep threat, giving Brady more options and weapons in the passing game.  With Welker still recovering from his 2009 injury and even though Holt signed this off season, New England could still use another receiver.  Brady throwing to T.O.?  Why not bring back the aerial  assault from 2007

Denver's Lynch Pin

With Denver carrying 4 very capable quarterbacks, and notorious for stockpiling running backs, keep an eye out for trade discussions between Denver and Buffalo with Marshawn Lynch and Kyle Orton both rumored to be on the block. Orton would be a steady veteran presence, and a sure upgrade to Ryan Fitzpatrick. 

Running Lynch Out of Town?

The Buffalo Bills drafted C.J. Spiller in the 2010 draft and Fred Jackson is coming off of a career season.  Where does that leave Marshawn Lynch?  Do the Buffalo Bills see a need for him, or is this a sign that his days are numbered in Buffalo? A possible landing spot if Lynch is not wanted anymore: Tennessee.  The Tennessee Titans just traded Lendale White to Seattle and could be in need of a big back that can take the hits and would be good on short yardage plays.  While Tennessee has signed some drafted and undrafted running backs from the 2010 draft, experience could out-weigh youth.

Prince Cashing In?

The recent long term deals for Joe Mauer, and teammate Yovani Gallardo have sparked rumors that the Brewers are deep into negotiation with Prince Fielder. Sources say the Mauer deal (8 years / $184 million ) is a starting point with Fielder, 25, who's become a fantasy fixture with his 40 HR / 140 RBI seasons.

Raiders of the Lost Campbell

It's inevitable that Jason Campbell has been factored out of the Mike Shanahan system in Washington, so what's next for the underachiever? While there are plenty of teams looking to address their quarterback needs in the upcoming draft, it might make perfect sense for Oakland to swap a mid-round pick for Campbell, and give him a legitimate chance to win the job in camp.

Shanahan House Cleaning?

Reports have been rumored since the finalization of Donovan Mcnabb that high profile players on the Redskins were officially on the trade block. The most intriguing may be Albert Haynesworth and his $100 million contract. Sources believe Shanahan is low on the lineman, and has been pressing teams in need to peak interest. Is a reunion with Tennessee in the mix?

Jeterless Yankees?

Derek Jeter is in the last year of his contract making $21M, and the Yankees are known for not negotiating during the season with players. Entering his 16th season, would it be a mistake if the Yankees waited to resign Jeter until the end of the season? By waiting until the end of the season, is there a chance that Jeter could walk away from the Yankees where he is at the top of many all-time statistics categories in Yankee history?

Quarterback-track in Pittsburgh?

Amidst another dose of controversy surrounding Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers current depth chart at the helm leaves Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch. Though Dixon has shown signs of promise, it's clear that the draft whiteboard in Pittsburgh has a spot for a possible quarterbacks on it.

Sedin, MVP?

He's not touted in video montages during the NBC game of the week, or any of the national stages for that matter. He might only be as good as his twin brother will allow him to be. But Henrik Sedin's statline for the 09-10 season combined with a divison title for his Vancouver Canucks might be enough to sway the voters away from the bright lights of the Ovechkins and Crosbys. 

Is Picking Reyes a Stretch?

He most certainly won't be active to start the regular season with hamstring and thyroid problems, so is a guy who thrives on extra base hits, swiped bags, and non-traditional techniques worth a 1st-2nd round fantasy pick this year?

Tate, Golden in KC?

With 3 top 50 picks in the upcoming 2010 NFL draft, will Kansas City bring on Golden Tate to be reunited with new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis? The outstanding athlete might be the perfect fit for that missing slash piece to the KC offense.

McNabb + T.O = Buffalo?

The Buffalo Bills shop two draft picks, or a mid level player + a draft pick in return for Donovan McNabb. Then offer T.O. a redo on his 1 year contract from 2009?