NLEX and Phoenix agreed on a trade on Wednesday in an effort to turn their fortunes around heading to the homestretch of the PBA Governors’ Cup group stage.
The deal will have Javee Mocon being acquired by the Road Warriors in exchange for big man Ato Ular and a second-round pick in Season 51.
The trade is now pending the approval of the PBA trade committee.
READ NLEX trades Brandon Rosser to Blackwater for Ular, Taha, first-round pick
The 29-year-old Mocon still suited up for the Fuel Masters on Tuesday night against Rain or Shine in a 122-107 loss that may well be his final game with the franchise.
He had two points and two rebounds in 13 minutes of play.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 draft by Rain or Shine, the product of San Beda was acquired by Phoenix in a 2022 trade for Nick Demusis and two future draft picks.
He was named part of the 2018-19 All-Rookie team.
Ular, meanwhile, has seen limited playing minutes since landing at NLEX as part of a three-team trade early this year that brought Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser to TNT.
The former Letran stalwart was second round pick in the 2022 draft by Blackwater, where he established a promising career averaging close to double figures in both scoring and rebounding during his rookie season.
He finished second behind Justin Arana of Converge in the race for the Rookie of the Year award, and made it to the All-Rookie team.
In a statement later made by NLEX management, the team wished the 29-year-old Ular the best in his career.
“We are thankful for Ato’s time with NLEX. Although it was brief, he brought energy to our practices and games," said NLEX governor Ronald Dulatre.
“We wish him nothing but the best in his journey with Phoenix.”
NLEX is running fourth in Group A with an even 3-3 record after losing back-to-back games, while Phoenix is at the bottom of the group with a 0-6 standings.
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