Crossword Genius

They'd be crooked ones in Slade prison (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deals

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'they'd be crooked ones' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'slade prison' is the wordplay.
'slade' anagrams to 'DEALS'.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deals that I've seen before include "Hands around the cards" , "Business transactions" , "Passes cards around" , "Bargains" , "Trades" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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