The PBA trade market continues to shake up ahead of the 2025 Philippine Cup, as Blackwater Bossing and Converge FiberXers have finalized a deal. The trade sends Rey Suerte to Converge, while BJ Andrade moves to Blackwater in what appears to be a move geared toward strengthening both teams.
While some might see this trade as a simple swap of role players, a closer look at the numbers and impact suggests that Converge clearly comes out as the winner in this deal.
Numbers Don’t Lie: Converge Gets the Better Player
Statistically, Suerte has had a bigger impact compared to Andrade, even in limited minutes.
🔹 Rey Suerte (Blackwater - Commissioner’s Cup Stats)
✔ 4.8 PPG | 1.9 RPG in 10 games
🔹 BJ Andrade (Converge - Commissioner’s Cup Stats)
✔ 3.45 PPG in 11 games
✔ Averaged only 9 minutes per game
Suerte is taller (6'3"), more experienced, and has already shown flashes of being a productive wing player in the PBA. While Andrade is two years younger, the difference is not significant enough to outweigh Suerte’s advantages in size, experience, and production.
Why Converge Wins This Trade
✅ Immediate Impact: Converge gets a more polished and experienced wing player in Suerte. He may not be a star, but he is a capable scorer and defender who can step in right away.
✅ Reunion with Gilas Teammates: Suerte now joins Jordan Heading and Justine Baltazar, two other former Gilas pool members. Having chemistry with teammates is a huge bonus, and this trio could play a key role for the FiberXers in the upcoming conference.
✅ Better Fit for Converge’s System: Converge is known for its fast-paced, offensive-minded approach, and Suerte’s skill set as a versatile wing who can hit outside shots fits much better than Andrade’s more limited role.
What Blackwater Gets
Blackwater, on the other hand, acquires a younger player in BJ Andrade, but the benefits are less immediate. While Andrade had success at Ateneo, winning championships in the UAAP, his PBA career has yet to take off. His 3.45 PPG in 9 minutes per game doesn’t suggest a breakout player just yet.
However, Blackwater may see Andrade as a long-term project who could develop into a 3-and-D specialist. But in the short term, this trade does not improve the team significantly.
Final Verdict: A Clear Win for Converge
🔹 Converge gets a proven PBA-level wing who can contribute right away.
🔹 Blackwater gets a younger player, but with unclear upside.
🔹 Suerte’s size, experience, and chemistry with Converge’s roster make him a better asset.
At the end of the day, numbers don’t lie, and Converge clearly benefits more from this swap. Unless Andrade significantly improves, this trade will be remembered as a clear win for the FiberXers.
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