2019 Post Phil. Cup: Who is the next PBA center to be traded?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

After more than a year of being in the rumor mill, Raymond Almazan finally got the trade that he was looking for.

The center position is the most important position in the league. That is the reason why Meralco gave up two 1st round pick for Raymond who did not even average more than 21 minutes last conference.

After Raymond, who are the next trade possibilities in the position?

Let us predict.

TNT - Kelly Williams
This one is easy because Kelly was actually in a rumor last month regarding TNT's desire to make changes in their roster. Other than that, the inability of Kelly to hit three-pointers may not be suitable to the trigger-happy scheme of TNT. Even father time is already at the heels of Kelly. At this point, only his defense is keeping Kelly on the floor which should make him easier to trade.

Alaska - Sonny Thoss
Alaska is a center-needy squad but at this point, it may even be better for them to play a small-ball type of scheme than to give minutes to a slow-footed "the Boss". Carl Bryan Cruz was a revelation last conference, making a case for himself as the best capable stretch-center in the league next to Troy Rosario. With CBC around, Thoss importance to Alaska is slowly deteriorating. There is also a good chance that after this season, Thoss may not have a trade value anymore so making the move now could pay dividends.

San Miguel - Christian Standhardinger
You may say that this is wishful thinking but hear me out. Even though Christian was not that relevant last conference, either in the elimination round where he missed five games or in the playoffs where he was plainly the back-up of The Kraken, it is still pretty obvious that he is one of the top 3 centers in the league.

And do not forget that pride and ego exists. June Mar Fajardo will just turn 30 this November. So, if Christian does not find a way out of the Beermen, he will forever be a back-up to Fajardo.

You may say that they could play together at the same time on the court. If you watched the playoffs, you should have realized that they are not fit for each other. Without the ability to hit three-pointers, the paint is so clogged for them to dominate.