Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 What If’s that could’ve redefined LeBron Jame’s first stint

By Chad Porto

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 30: Basketball player Lebron James' signed ball and jersey August, 2005 at LA Center Stage Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Justin Jay/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 30: Basketball player Lebron James' signed ball and jersey August, 2005 at LA Center Stage Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Justin Jay/Getty Images) /
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TARRYTOWN, NY – JULY 29: J. J. Hickson of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2008 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 29, 2008 at the MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – JULY 29: J. J. Hickson of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2008 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 29, 2008 at the MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

What If? –  J.J. Hickson was traded for Amar’e Stoudemire

What? Why wouldn’t you make that trade? Well, to be fair Amar’e Stoudemire was only good for another 18 months before his knees completely gave out but the Cavs would’ve been able to re-sign LeBron James had the deal been made. To make matters more interesting, the team was talking to the Warriors, Pacers, and Wizards to acquire Corey Maggette, Troy Murphy, or Antwan Jamieson if the Stoudemire deal fell through.

J.J. Hickson never amounted to much and a two-year title window would’ve been more than enough in return for him. Though, I’m left wondering, why just Stoudemire? Delonte West and Anderson Varejao would’ve equaled just under Ilgauskas’ $12 million a year salary. Would the Wizards not of been open to that trade as well? Considering the original deal was a three-team trade, surely the Wizards would’ve been receptive.

Now, the rules have changed so much, who knows if the Cavs could’ve traded both Ilgauskas and Varejo, and then re-signed them both after they were waived by Phoenix and Washington respectively. One would assume they could. So you end up trading Delonte West and JJ Hickson and a few draft picks for Stoudemire and Jameison.

That’s a pretty fair deal.

Sure maybe that team doesn’t make the finals but at least it shows James that you’re willing to try. The hope is that he re-signs, and then maybe you make a play for Chris Bosh. Having Bosh, James and Jameison in the 2010-2011 season would’ve been interesting.

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