5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-like trades in the CFL

In July 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two first-round swaps to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George. Six years later, the Thunder became NBA champions, with Gilgeous-Alexander evolving into a three-time All-Star, 2025 MVP, scoring champion, and Finals MVP. Jalen Williams, drafted using one of the acquired picks, also contributes significantly to Oklahoma City's championship roster.

The article then highlights impactful CFL trades, starting with Hamilton's late-2022 acquisition of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell from Calgary. The Tiger-Cats sent a 2023 third-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick, and future considerations to the Stampeders for the two-time Most Outstanding Player. After a challenging first season, Mitchell excelled in 2024, leading the CFL with 5,451 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, earning East Division MOP nomination, and maintaining strong performance into 2025.

Another key trade involved Toronto acquiring defensive tackle Jake Ceresna from Edmonton in January 2024 for receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and a seventh-round pick. Ceresna immediately bolstered the Argonauts' defense, tying for the league lead with eight sacks and adding 29 tackles and a forced fumble. His All-CFL caliber play helped Toronto win the 2024 Grey Cup.

The piece also references Zach Collaros's 2019 trades, noting his Week 1 concussion with Saskatchewan led to his move to Toronto for a fourth-round pick. Two months later, another trade significantly impacted his career trajectory, though details of this subsequent deal aren't elaborated in the excerpt.