PBA Trade Rumors: The CJ Perez to San Miguel trade will not happen, yet?

One big trade that was anticipated in the offseason was the CJ Perez to San Miguel. It was well buzzed starting from the middle of 2019 that CJ was the target of the Beermen. So, when June Mar Fajardo was injured, it was shocking that the trade did not push through.

Now, one good source has posted on Twitter that the trade is still in the plan. Although, they will first see the result of the first few games and decide from there.

With their dominant first game, there could be a good chance that the trade will not happen at this conference.

In that game, we saw their good blend of defense and offense. Defensively, they managed to limit not only the three-point makes of Magnolia, but even their attempts. They also forced 22 turnovers, one of the key measures of their defensive style. 

Offensively, they are not as effective without the presence of Fajardo but it worked! They created a lot of good looks from beyond the arc. All their core players, other than Chris Ross, reached double-figures in points. And even their transition game was present. 

It is only a single game. So, it is not right to conclude that San Miguel is just fine by maintaining its current line-up. But with the system that I saw in their first game, I think it will work.

And if it works, there is no point in trading for a CJ Perez anytime soon. Adding a player of the caliber of CJ Perez means they will need to give up one or two of their core players. Unless they are planning to do another lopsided trade and get the ire of the PBA universe.

A trade for CJ will disrupt the chemistry of the team and that is crucial in short conferences in the PBA. I expect SMB to continue to play well, which will lead them to shelve the CJ Perez trade this conference.