PBA Trade Analysis: Which team won the Almazan trade?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

Raymond Almazan will finally play for his 2nd team in the PBA after months of being in the rumor mill about his desire to get into a new team.

Meralco gave up two precious first-round picks to acquire the services of the Dark Knight.

RAIN OR SHINE

Sent: Raymond Almazan

Received: two 1st round picks of Meralco

After years of trying to mend their connection to Raymond, Elasto Painters finally pulled the trigger for two 1st round picks.

Did they receive the right package? The answer is a big YES!

First, even with his special skillset, Raymond did not play an integral part in the most recent run of the Elasto Painters, and was not even their main center because Beau Belga played 5.9 minutes more than him. 

Also, rookie-contract is the most financially friendly contract. By grabbing two 1st round picks, they can get two very good players in team-friendly contracts for two to three years.

Also, the 2019 draft has the potential to be loaded with centers. They may get a replacement of Almazan as early as next season.

Combine all of those things and you will see that the Elasto Painters made an excellent decision.

Grade: A

MERALCO

Received: Raymond Almazan

Sent: two 1st round picks of Meralco

After seasons of playing without a credible giant-stopping center, the Bolts will finally get one. To get one though, they gave up two 1st round picks. First, how valuable is Raymond Almazan?

Almazan has the most unique combination of skills and tools in the PBA. He can protect the rim, shoot from beyond the arc, defend guards in the perimeter and rim-run.

Almazan though has a big risk in him. He is injury-prone. He did not play a single game in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup. Do you remember when they traded for Ranidel de Ocampo and RDO failed to play for almost a year?

That is a possibility for Almazan. 

In terms of the first round pick that they gave up, the 2019 1st could be crucial. What if Raymond failed to play a lot of games this season and their performance in the last two conferences this year turns out to be disappointments?

That 2019 1st may turn out to be a top 3 pick. They could be giving up an Isaac Go or Troy Rikes plus that 2021 or 2022 1st round pick for Almazan.

Grade: C