Trade Grade - SMB-GBP: SMB knows what they are doing

Which team has the deepest and most powerful frontline in the league? San Miguel Beermen. So, exchanging Gabby Espinas and their 2020 2nd round pick for Kelly Nabong provided shock waves to the PBA universe.

Was the trade fair? Yes. Although Kelly Nabong is having a breakout season, we cannot refute the fact that Gabby Espinas can provide the same impact as Nabong, although in another form.

The 2nd round pick will provide a cushion for the age difference. There is also a big difference between the two, in terms of personality.

Now, let us grade the two teams.


SAN MIGUEL
Sent: Gabby Espinas & 2020 2nd
Received: Kelly Nabong

San Miguel is aiming to complete a grandslam. So, any small improvements should be made to make that grandslam a reality.

What Gabby provides is already redundant to what Junemar Fajardo and Christian Standhardinger bring. Kelly will bring another ingredient to their team with his physical play and his ability to hit threes. Kelly will play spot minutes but in a playoff series, team versatility is valuable.

And hoarding the most precious position in the league is a great strategy that San Miguel is doing. We can say that even if two of Fajardo, Santos and Standhardinger fall into long-term injuries, the Beermen will still have one of the top 4 frontcourts in the league.

But, his personality could be cancerous. We all saw Nabong complained about his playing time in Meralco. So, it is very likely that he will do that again with the SMB franchise.

Grade: B

GLOBALPORT
Sent: Kelly Nabong
Received: Gabby Espinas & 2020 2nd

I have this feeling that Globalport made this trade due to the personality of Kelly. Nonetheless, the trade is not that bad for them.

Nabong has been struggling in this conference. He is shooting 20% from beyond the arc. And in the field, he is only making 37% of his attempts.

I think Globalport feels good with their team this conference that they are also trying to make a good run. Gabby Espinas scoring in the post is reliable. He can also defend the giants, pretty well. 

He can also be a good mentor to Moala Tautuaa and Bradwyn Guinto. This could be a vital reason why Globalport made the exchange.

The 2020 2nd may not be that worth it but for a franchise with limited funds, rookie contracts are pretty valuable.

Overall, Globalport made an acceptable strategic move.

Grade: C