Kobe Bryant Traded For Albert Pujols? Say What? (HUMOR)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Imagine waking up tomorrow and the front page of ESPN.com flashed "Pujols traded for Bryant", or "Lebron swapped for Peyton Manning".

If you get those annoying "Breaking News" texts from CNN.com, imagine you're sleeping peacefully at 3 A.M. and whatever text message ringer you have goes off, you wake up and see breaking news from CNN.com. You are annoyed at being woken up, but shocked to see "Sidney Crosby Traded to New England for Tom Brady".

Unfortunately that's not how trades work in the sports world, but imagine cities, not teams, made trades for star players. No salary cap ramifications, no complicated league rules, but straight up swaps between cities. It would make for some interesting scenarios.

Here is a look at 10 intriguing trades in the fantasy world of sports "city" trading.

10. Denver Nuggets SF Carmelo Anthony traded to the Dallas Cowboys for QB Tony Romo and 2 future 1st round draft picks.

Anthony instantly becomes a hybrid back in the Cowboys offense, splitting time with Felix Jones in the backfield, and occasionally taking some time at wide out. Anthony's arrival softens the loss of Terrell Owens to the Bills.

For Denver, Romo won't see much court time, but the positive publicity from he and Jessica Simpson, break up or not, will deftly deflect negative attention away from the legal issues of Chris Anderson and other problem Nuggets.

9. San Antonio Spurs PG Tony Parker traded to Los Angeles Dodgers for OF Manny Ramirez.

Parker becomes a fan favorite in LA at shortstop, in the mold of Ozzie Smith. Parker headlines SportsCenter nightly with a running cartwheel as he takes the infield. While the Spurs are hurting at point guard, Manny not only removes the "boring" theme from the Spurs that have haunted them for years, but under the strict discipline of Coach Pop Manny becomes the league leader in rebounds and charges taken.

8. New York Giants QB Eli Manning traded to Milwaukee Brewers for 1B Prince Fielder.

The Giants gain a beefy offensive lineman, while losing an established quarterback. For the Brewers, Manning becomes a clubhouse favorite but struggles to crack the regular rotation. Fielder goes on to make 6 Pro Bowls as one of the league's best lineman.

7. Orlando Magic send SG JJ Redick back to Duke in exchange for the consulting services of Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

This trade makes sense for both sides. Redick will never see the floor again now that the Magic have acquired Vince Carter, and Redick is like a cult hero at Duke. For the Magic, they receive not only salary cap relief, but who wouldn't want the consulting services of not only the Team USA Head Coach, but also a guy who takes a bunch of McDonald's All Americans every season and underachieves in the NCAA Tournament. SVG will utilize Coach K come playoff time.

6. Toronto Raptors send PF Chris Bosh, $2.5 million in cash, and two future second round draft picks to the Minnesota Vikings for RB Adrian Peterson.

While many pundits are puzzled by this trade, you have to look beneath the surface for the real value in the trade for each team.

Despite the geographical closeness, Bosh becomes the missing piece to the aerial attack of Minnesota by becoming the tallest tight end in NFL History. He proves surprisingly durable and makes the Pro Bowl in his rookie campaign.

Meanwhile, Peterson, who is built like a bull, becomes the smallest power forward in league history to average 10 points, six rebounds, and one opponent injured in every game.

5. New York Yankees trade IF Alex Rodriguez, IF Derek Jeter and four Minor Leaguers to be named later to the Boston Celtics for PF Kevin Garnett, SG Ray Allen and $8.25 million in cash.

The blockbuster of all blockbusters, this trade sends shock waves through the sports world.

The Yankees publicly state they appreciate the hard work and efforts of A—Rod and Jeter, but privately have become fed up with the steroids issue along with Jeter's partying lifestyle. For Boston, GM Danny Ainge feels like the window of opportunity has faded, and decides to get something in return before his two stars retire.

No one is sure of what position or what role anyone will play for their new team, but each team is happy with the publicity side of things.

4. Houston Rockets trade SG Tracy McGrady to Houstan Texans for future second round draft pick and $1 million cash.

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