BLACKWATER star big man Troy Rosario may just become the biggest catch in the free-agent market this offseason.
Rosario, 32 and the No. 2 pick overall of the 2015 PBA Draft Class, can now file for unrestricted free agency after completing nine seasons in the pro league - a rule that replaced the original seven-year residency period during the pandemic.
Blackwater, which acquired Rosario in a three-team trade in 2022 that also involved Calvin Oftana and Bandon Ganuelas Rosser, has offered Rosario a juicy five-year contract that will give the 6-7 Ilocano forward financial security until he is 37 years old.
“Malaki ang alok namin sa kanya. In fact, maximum plus bonuses. At par with the contract of other marquee stars from big teams,” said a Blackwater source who requested anonymity.
Rosario, however, has the option to file for unrestricted free agency which can give him the opportunity to field other offers.
There are many.
Sources told SPIN.ph that apart from Blackwater, Converge and teams from both the MVP and SMC camp are waiting for the opportunity to sign him up, if and when, he decides to explore the free agency market.
“Ang dami na lumalapit kay Troy at waiting lang na mag-free agent siya. Sa ngayon, ang first option pa rin is Blackwater kasi maganda yung offer na five years. Secured siya ng limang taon,” said a source close to Rosario.
“Pero hintayin natin ang offer din nung mga teams. Marami pang pwedeng mangyari lalo na at mukhang kaunti ang big man na papasok sa draft,” he said.
A source from Converge bared that if Rosario is finally free from contract obligations, the team will try to lure him to join a squad now laden with young big men in Justin Arana, Gelo Ambohot and most likely rookie top pick Justine Baltazar.
“Converge is on a major build-up and they will get the right pieces that can make the team an instant title contender. Di sila makakuha ng fair trade sa iba, so whenever there is an opportunity to get players legally, gagawin nila. And si Troy ang isang easy target for them,” said another source.
Whichever team can get Rosario to say yes, stands to gain additional firepower, as shown by the former NU Bulldogs star's averages of 17.36 points, 7 rebounds, 2.55 assists on 32.93 minutes per game last season.
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