CHICAGO - One of the PBA's rising stars is headed to the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
Per multiple sources, Will Navarro is finalizing a deal to join big-budget franchise Busan KCC Egis, effectively orphaning a Magnolia team that gave up longtime star Calvin Abueva and a few other assets to get him in a trade.
READ Magnolia gives up Abueva to get Navarro in a trade
The versatile forward and former Gilas Pilipinas stalwart has a contract that expires at the end of July, giving him the freedom to play in any other league. If he signs with a KBL team, his PBA signing rights will remain with Magnolia.
Navarro played for NorthPort beginning in the 2022 Commissioner's Cup before being traded to Magnolia last May for Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and the Hotshots' second-round pick in the 51st PBA draft.
He played seven games with his new team in the PBA Philippine Cup where he averaged 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. However his debut conference with Magnolia ended with a frustraining loss to twice-to-win TNT in the quarterfinals.
This is not the first time the versatile 6-foot-6 forward is attempting a move to Korea. His first attempt to sign with the Seoul Samsung Thunders in 2022 was not cleared by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) because he had a live contract with Gilas.
READ SBP says Navarro not given clearance due to live Gilas contract
Navarro's impending move should come as a big blow for Magnolia, which brought in the 28-year old former Ateneo standout to pair with another former NorthPort player, Zavier Lucero, in a much younger and reinvigorated frontline.
If the deal pushes through, the Hotshots will end up holding an empty bag after parting with one of their most popular players in Abueva.
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