MAGNOLIA made a big move in the trade market on Thursday, acquiring Jerrick Balanza from Converge for a future second-round pick.
The PBA Commissioner's Office has approved the deal, SPIN.ph has learned.
Balanza, a 6-1 guard from Letran who was drafted by NorthPort before being traded to Converge to reunite with former college coach Aldin Ayo, is set to reinforce Magnolia's lineup in the short term with injuries to Rome Dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio.
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In the long term, the versatile wingman should settle into a back-up role for the Hotshots, who, sources said, are looking to make more moves in the weeks and months to come.
Converge, on the other hand, continues to shed personnel in anticipation of a major revamp for next season, where the FiberXers are expected to get Justine Baltazar with the top draft pick overall.
Sources from the Magnolia camp bared that the trade has long been in the works.
“Since two months ago pa yan pero alam nyo naman walang direct line ang team namin saka Converge,” said the source who claimed to have passed through different channels to seal the deal.
Asked if the trade will be a precursor to a bigger trade for Magnolia, the source was non committal.
“Di ko pa alam pero big man ang need ng team, so pwedeng gumalaw na kami using our guards to get the big man we need,” said the source.
“Pero we have the needed pieces if and when we enter another trade,” he added.
It will be recalled that Magnolia was also eyeing Justin Arana, but Converge immediately shot down the trade negotiations.
More Magnolia targets
Another source bared that the team, in the hunt for its first championship in more than 6 years, is said to be eyeing either Isaac Go from Terrafirma or Arvin Tolentino from Northport.
“We hope mangyari ito this time, kasi yung (Mo) Tautuaa at C-Stan (Christian Standhardinger) sa amin naman dapat talaga yun,” said the other source.
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