The Top 3 Possible Trade Destination of CJ Perez

(c) PBA Media Bureau

One thing that should make you happy entering 2019 is the fact that Columbian Dyip has not traded the #1 pick of the 2018 PBA draft, CJ Perez.

Let us not be so positive about it though. We never heard any corporate news that the company is getting better financially. Thus it is hard to believe that they can operate independently already.

I do expect Perez to play the entire Philippine Cup for the Columbian Dyip. After that, I expect the trade chatterings around him to heat up.

So, if I am going to make a bet on which franchise will Perez land, which three teams will I put my money on?

Magnolia Hotshots
There is a little bit of truth to the gripes and complains of the Hotshots fans about the unfair treatment of their favorite franchise in comparison to their big brothers. Last season, San Miguel got Christian Standhardinger even though Magnolia needed him more. And of course, SMC management transferred coach Tim Cone to Ginebra from the Purefoods franchise.

So, if SMC is going to make a move for CJ Perez, it is just right to send him to the Hotshots. His playing style will also fit well with the small-ball mentality of the team. Add the fact that they could create a pretty "acceptable" package for Perez and you have a pretty good landing spot for Perez.

TNT Ka Tropa
After losing talents due to their wrong acquisition of Terrence Romeo, TNT is craving to add more. Perez could be their guy. Their sister team, NLEX, just added JP Erram into their fold. I am pretty sure MVP management will do their best to add at least one talented player to their flagship franchise.

Alaska Aces
This is the most interesting one for me. I really think Alaska management is well aware of the potential and skills of a CJ Perez because of their connection to Topex Robinson. I think of a scenario wherein they can corner the Columbian franchise to accept their offer.

Imagine one of the conglomerate squads provided an offer for CJ Perez. I am pretty sure they will again underpay for him. Now, what Alaska can do is to provide a much better offer and reveal it to the public. An offer that is way better than the offer from the conglomerates that if  Columbian choose the offer from the bigger franchises, it will totally tarnish the little reputation that the Dyip franchise has retained.