TRADE BUZZ: Is Ginebra Targeting a Shooter Swap for Maverick Ahanmisi?
In yet another intriguing social media post from renowned PBA trade whisperer Snow Badua, a new rumor has stirred the fan base: Barangay Ginebra is eyeing a trade that involves the Ahanmisi brothers — with Jerrick Ahanmisi possibly heading to the Gin Kings and Maverick Ahanmisi being dangled in return.
Snow’s cryptic yet direct post read:
“Sa totoo lang ang need ng Ginebra, shooter.
Yung shooter na high percentage pagnabitaw.
That way, ma free up ang paint at makagalaw big men.
Sino sa tingin nyo inaasinta nila? Nakuha na ng Magnolia si Will Navarro.
Pwede si Jerrick, swap sila ni Kuya.”
Decoding the Clue: “Kuya” Is Maverick
There’s little ambiguity here. “Kuya” refers to Maverick Ahanmisi, the older of the Ahanmisi siblings and currently a backcourt mainstay of Barangay Ginebra. Meanwhile, Jerrick Ahanmisi plays for Magnolia Hotshots, and is widely known for his smooth stroke and elite floor spacing.
Ginebra, as Snow highlighted, needs a consistent, high-percentage outside shooter — someone who can command perimeter attention, free up the paint for Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar, and bring balance to their halfcourt sets.
Jerrick Ahanmisi fits that mold perfectly. A career 37% shooter from beyond the arc, he offers spacing, poise, and low usage — the kind of weapon that thrives in Coach Tim Cone’s system where stars like Scottie Thompson and Standhardinger command so much defensive attention.
But Is Maverick That Much Less of a Shooter?
While Jerrick is undeniably the better catch-and-shoot threat, Maverick Ahanmisi isn’t a liability from the outside either.
In fact, during his final season with Converge before joining Ginebra, Maverick averaged over 13 points per game while shooting a respectable 36% from three on decent volume. His shooting mechanics may not be as aesthetically refined as his brother's, but his ability to pull up, hit corner threes, and create off the dribble gives him value beyond just ball-handling and defense.
Still, it’s clear why Ginebra might prefer Jerrick in a tighter system — he doesn’t need the ball as much, and that fits better alongside their core.
Would Magnolia Bite?
Magnolia just made a massive acquisition by trading for William Navarro, and they’re already stacked with versatile wings. If they feel that Jerrick is a bit redundant, and that a guard like Maverick can add veteran presence and experience to complement Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, a swap could be worth exploring.
But the bigger question is — would Ginebra really let go of Maverick, especially as he’s still adapting to Cone’s system and adds size and rebounding to their backcourt?
Final Thoughts: Real Need, Real Risk
There’s no doubt that Ginebra needs an elite shooter to shore up their playoff aspirations. They’ve struggled from deep in recent games, and with teams packing the paint, a Jerrick Ahanmisi-type acquisition makes complete basketball sense.
However, trading Maverick isn’t a small price. He’s a bigger body, a willing defender, and a proven starter. If this deal does get real traction, it will be because Ginebra believes Jerrick is the missing piece to spread the floor and open up their offense.
But more importantly, fans are watching closely now — and once again, Snow Badua has stirred the pot just enough to keep the trade window hot.
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