PBA Trade Rumors: TNT-Blackwater trade is not happening because?

 

The recent trade saga involving the TNT Tropang Giga and Blackwater's Rey Nambatac has exposed potential cracks in the PBA's trade approval process. Homer Sayson's column in Spin.ph highlights TNT's frustrations, but a key piece of information is missing: the final trade proposal submitted by the team.

It's undeniable that the initial offer of Kib Montalbo for Nambatac seemed unbalanced. Statistics clearly favor Nambatac, and this initial proposal likely wouldn't be approved based on player value alone. However, the column hints at a revised offer that included either Barkley Ebona or Paul Varilla. This revised package presents a more balanced trade on paper, making the PBA's silence on the matter all the more concerning.

This is where the issue of potential bias towards SMC teams like San Miguel enters the conversation. Historical evidence, like the December 2023 trade mentioned in the column, adds fuel to the fire of suspicion. The lack of transparency surrounding trade approvals only intensifies these suspicions. However, without knowing the specifics of TNT's final offer, it's difficult to definitively claim bias.

There are several possibilities: Perhaps the revised offer containing Ebona or Varilla never reached the PBA office, or there were additional conditions attached that weren't mentioned. There could also be undisclosed league guidelines regarding draft picks or young players that factored into the PBA's decision. Finally, it's possible that the PBA is simply requesting further negotiations or adjustments to the trade package.