The CSL

BOOM! Tatum traded to the Bulls

There's always a winner and a loser, right? In this first article we're going to take a look at some of the CSL Trade Deadline Deals to see what players moved, and also what team got the better return. We'll take a look at about half of the deals that happened the week of the deadline. Second article to follow!

Philadelphia - Detroit - Golden State
Philadelphia Sends: Jordan McLaughlin, KZ Okpala, 2nd Round Pick, Receives: Ivan Rabb
Detroit Sends: Isaiah Stewart, Emmanuel Mudiay, Receives: Jordan McLaughlin
Golden State Sends: Ivan Rabb, Receives: Isaiah Stewart, KZ Okpala, Emmanual Mudiay, 2nd Round Pick

Summary: The 76ers were able to connect with two teams in more of a rebuilding phase to help solidify their contender status. Battling injuries, the 76ers needed some front court depth and they got that and some by acquiring Rabb. The 31 year old Rabb was averaging 15/10 for the Warriors and has a team option for next year. The Pistons meanwhile decided to move on from Stewart as they have Tillman and Wiseman up front as well. Detroit wants to experiment with a high scoring guard, and JMac did not disappoint in his first game as he dropped 47 points (with 30 FTAs). For the Warriors, it was a decision of Rabb's future cap space vs Stewart on a relatively friendly deal. The Warriors decided to go with the latter, hoping Stewart can provide some defense down the middle that the team hasn't had since trading Metu.

Winner: Philadelphia 76ers

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Chicago - Washington
Chicago sends Sekou Doumbouya and Tari Eason to Washington in exchange for Jayson Tatum, Ray Spalding, 3 instructions

Summary: Blockbuster! It was no secret Washington was shopping Tatum and Birutis, and Chicago was looking to add some star power even after acquiring RJ Barrett last month. Tatum is an elite scorer, averaging 24.1 ppg over his career. At 29 years old, he's locked up until his age 33 season and should provide the Bulls a true number 1 option. For Washington, all that talent just wasn't clicking. While they do get younger, Doom has struggled with his efficiency that past few seasons, but he does add a defensive presence into a high powered offense.

Winner: Chicago Bulls

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Chicago - New Orleans - Utah
Chicago Sends: Principal Singh, Receives: Jalen Adams, two 2nd Round Picks, 3 instructions
New Orleans Sends: Alessando Pajola, Josh Minnot, two 2nd Round Picks, 3 instructions, Receives: Principal Singh
Utah Sends: Jalen Adams, Receives: Alessando Pajola, Josh Minnot

Summary:A lot of movement here in a relatively minor deal. The Bulls were able to get some instructions and 2nd round picks, while New Orleans was able to get the most talented player in the deal. Singh is 22 years old and will be a UFA after taking his qualifying offer this past offseason. Being a former Heat, Singh has spent a lot of time in the DLeague but will have his chance now with the Pelicans to earn a big payday this offseason. The deal is so minor for the Jazz we don't need to discuss.

Winner: New Orleans

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Sacramento - San Antonio
Sacramento sends Tremont Waters and 2nd Round Pick to San Antonio in exchange for Nickeil Alexander-Walker and 2035 1st Round Pick (top 8 protected)

Summary: Similar to Tatum, it was no secret that the Kings were shopping Waters (or their PGs in general). In the end, they decided to keep Garland and Daniels as their main point guards and ship away Waters who has been their starting floor general for the past 5 seasons. Waters is a very efficient guard and a good defender, who is signed long-term at only 25 years old. Trading a future 1st could be risky, but for the Spurs they were able to put some protection on it which alleviates some of the anxiety given bt's past with acquiring 1st rounders and striking big.

Winner: Even

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New York - Orlando
New York sends Frank Jackson and 2035 1st Round Pick to Orlando in exchange for Deandre Hunter

Summary:Hunter sees himself on the move again after playing just 22 games for the Magic. Known as one of the top 3&D players in the league, Hunter will join the Knicks as they look to contend for a championship behind Luka Doncic. The Magic meanwhile get a future 1st and cap space for this offseason. I would probably grade this trade better for Orlando if it wasn't for what they gave up for Hunter originally (a most likely higher, sooner pick - 2034 GSW 1st) which puts them at a net loss.

Winner: New York

Agree or disagree? Let me know below! Stick around for article #2!

Good read. I am sure Tatum will do well under Marcos's watch, but I am happy with the return as I think Doom will get back into form, and Eason will be a crucial piece for us for years to come.

Great article. Will be curious to read part 2, including an assessment of the Moody deal.

Chicago did very well in picking up Tatum. The Spurs would've won that trade if they had also paired it with a move for Trae or Shaq. As it stands, they have a lot of PGs getting paid a lot of $$ and should be active in the offseason to make it all fit. Sacramento didn't get a long back for Waters but it was clear that there just wasn't a market for him.

NYK did well picking up Hunter, although I feel like these low-volume guys are not what Luka needs. But who knows, I've never coached Luka.

Our 3-way with PHI and GSW was a win on all sides IMO.

Nice read

I think the Knicks won that deal short term as well not sure how it pans out in the end since that pick's a long ways away

WillyJakkz wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 6:59 pm Nice read

I think the Knicks won that deal short term as well not sure how it pans out in the end since that pick's a long ways away

Yeah, I just base it off the assumption Luka will still be in NY which basically means it won't be a lottery pick haha

Good article

I feel like giving up Jackson was too much, but he and Porter were the only players I could have traded for Hunter. And I just traded for Porter... So frank had to go.

Gonna switch Luka to PG/SF combo going forward. But Ferguson, Hunter and Sheppard will be my wing stoppers(3/D) and Bagley(18/10 since trade ),Porter (13-7 since trade)and Bradley will be the ones receiving most minutes at PF/C spot. Will try different offenses but Balanced seems legit for my squad, besides post or grind.

Luka Doncic /David Michineau / Tre Mann
Terrance Ferguson / Garrison Mathews
De'Andre Hunter/ Ben Sheppard / Yovel Zoosman
Tony Bradley / Jontay Porter / Tim Williams
Marvin Bagley / Ismael Kamagate / Jordan Bell

WillyJakkz wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 6:59 pm Nice read

I think the Knicks won that deal short term as well not sure how it pans out in the end since that pick's a long ways away

And in the future I know you will be sending me a pm for a "locked up" Luka lol, so worst case I get my pick back with other picks, players for Luka and rebuild.

Andrewu91 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:01 pm
And in the future I know you will be sending me a pm for a "locked up" Luka lol, so worst case I get my pick back with other picks, players for Luka and rebuild.

Soon to be the assist leader and triple double leader sorry bro I'm committed to Josh Giddey for the very long haul

Also true story. The one deadline deal that passed (which I forgot to shop to other teams due to work distractions) was me trading my '33 1st for Knicks '33 Pistons '34 but DET wanted to switch to '33 Heat 1st so the deal was DOA.

WillyJakkz wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:11 pm

Andrewu91 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:01 pm
And in the future I know you will be sending me a pm for a "locked up" Luka lol, so worst case I get my pick back with other picks, players for Luka and rebuild.

Soon to be the assist leader and triple double leader sorry bro I'm committed to Josh Giddey for the very long haul

Also true story. The one deadline deal that passed (which I forgot to shop to other teams due to work distractions) was me trading my '33 1st for Knicks '33 Pistons '34 but DET wanted to switch to '33 Heat 1st so the deal was DOA.

Not that any of this matters but that's not why that deal died. You (rightfully) walked back your offer because we started playing better and you got spooked that my pick might not be high lottery next season. Again, doesn't matter but I need the CSL records to show facts.

I think you're confusing that offer with an offer you made for Corey Kispert that flamed out.

TheTwoWallaces wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 6:13 pm
Chicago did very well in picking up Tatum. The Spurs would've won that trade if they had also paired it with a move for Trae or Shaq. As it stands, they have a lot of PGs getting paid a lot of $$ and should be active in the offseason to make it all fit. Sacramento didn't get a long back for Waters but it was clear that there just wasn't a market for him.

That was the plan and had a verbal but it fell apart literally right after i accepted my trade w SAC

WillyJakkz wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:11 pm

Andrewu91 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:01 pm
And in the future I know you will be sending me a pm for a "locked up" Luka lol, so worst case I get my pick back with other picks, players for Luka and rebuild.

Soon to be the assist leader and triple double leader sorry bro I'm committed to Josh Giddey for the very long haul

Also true story. The one deadline deal that passed (which I forgot to shop to other teams due to work distractions) was me trading my '33 1st for Knicks '33 Pistons '34 but DET wanted to switch to '33 Heat 1st so the deal was DOA.

If anything, Luka would make Giddy's life easier. Plus he can play SF/SG/PG. So it's not like because you have giddy, you don't need a superstar.

All good. We will talk probably down the road

wms02a wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:40 pm

TheTwoWallaces wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 6:13 pm
Chicago did very well in picking up Tatum. The Spurs would've won that trade if they had also paired it with a move for Trae or Shaq. As it stands, they have a lot of PGs getting paid a lot of $$ and should be active in the offseason to make it all fit. Sacramento didn't get a long back for Waters but it was clear that there just wasn't a market for him.

That was the plan and had a verbal but it fell apart literally right after i accepted my trade w SAC

Did it involve Harrison?
Were my sources right

Nice read. I was really hesitant of trading JMac but injuries keeps filing up and we glaringly short on bigs so that's the deciding factor. I have to agree with Lucas that the deal was a win on all sides.

Chicago pribably won that deal on paper, getting Tatum but Doom could be more ideal in their setup as a two-way player, having Barrett already. Though yeah, the more the merrier in deed.

Spurs is fine i think, even with the failure to follow up that deal. Perhaps just a little adjustments on the rotation.

That move by the Knicks was also splendid, my only worry still is if Luka got hurt. Not sure if they are capable enough without him but who knows.

New Orleans got a steal if and only if Singh returns this offseason but regardless, it's a small price they paid.

Nice article Ryan!

The Philly post was probably the question and adding Rabb definitely improves that. He's a solid under the radar performer so nothing wrong there. Pistons needed scoring so that works but I'm not a big Stewart fan so offloading him was good and him being on the Warriors books for a while is a concern but we'll see how that plays out.

Talent wise, I feel like the Bulls/Wizards deal is fairly even taking into account age and everything. Whether Tatum works with Barrett though is the question but looks good on paper. I like Doum and even though he has an 83 scoring rating, I feel if you tinker his instructions down a little, he might take less looks and cause havoc with his other talents. Might work in Washington allowing Bowman and Birutis to score more.

I'm still a bit confused as to how Waters didn't generate more interest given his age and talent but we had so many PG's and wanted the financial flexibility going forward as we'll have some decisions to make in the coming years. You take what you can get and the financial aspect was important for us as we would have been at nearly 80 million before bringing anyone back so had to do it.

Good move by both Orlando and New York. Hunter fits and helps straight away but he had no business being in Orlando with their record. They get more financial flexibility and a future first to boot and you never know there.

Nice recap, almost forgot about it already haha

Philadelphia - Detroit - Golden State
All teams get what they are looking for. Short term winner seems the Pistons, where JMac just pops up right now But I'm not sure if they started this run indeed with Vogel and JMac just shows up at the exact right time.
Philly needed more front court help and Rabb can fill the stat sheet quickly and showed in GS that he can perform in the playoffs
Rabb had no value for the Warriors, the return is not great but maybe Stewart can be revived. He will have plenty of chances on a roster ready for rebuild.

Chicago - Washington
That was a big one, I know Marcos likes Doom a lot, but a player like Tatum is special. You just have to do it.
But Doom is younger and can play better, I understand the reasoning with the team going nowhere. Short term winner should be Chicago with all the tools for a strong playoff run. Long-term seems pretty even to me.

Chicago - New Orleans - Utah
I do not know much about Singh. But if Silo lets him just go, not sure if he can be more than a deep bench player.
The most valuable parts here is the 2nd rounder and the instructions.

Sacramento - San Antonio
Fair trade but hard to say who wins it. We will see, when the pick converts. Right now a mid teen seems the correct value for Waters. With a more shining role, Waters can prove he is a better player than most think.

New York - Orlando
Short term a win for New York, it is their window and adding Hunter can only improve the chances for a title with Luka. The teams is and was before only going so far as Luka goes. If he should be injured its game over with or without Hunter I think.
But with a healthy and motivated Doncic in the playoffs, Hunter and Sheppard should be a hell of a defensive duo.
Getting a 1st back is always nice, but it has to be seen if that pick is any better than lower 20 when the time comes.

Changed my mind having trader's remorse I miss De'Andre Hunter

NY wins

J-Mac is dominating for the Pistons

WillyJakkz wrote: ↑Wed Feb 12, 2025 10:10 pm Changed my mind having trader's remorse I miss De'Andre Hunter

NY wins

Why?

Hunter has helped but averaging career lows on my team. It's all about fitting in and winning lol