PBA Free Agency: Phoenix losses another player to MPBL!

 

Larry Muyang Leaves Phoenix for MPBL—A Sign of Phoenix’s Financial Struggles but Not Their Surrender

The Phoenix Fuel Masters have suffered another blow to their roster as Larry Muyang departs for the MPBL’s Pampanga Giant Lanterns. While Muyang’s numbers with Phoenix were modest—4.0 points, 2.5 rebounds per game over three seasons—his departure underscores a bigger issue: Phoenix’s ongoing financial struggles.

Despite this, Phoenix continues to fight for competitiveness in the PBA rather than succumbing to the fate of becoming a farm team for powerhouse franchises like San Miguel, Ginebra, or Magnolia.

A Tough Financial Reality

Phoenix has long been rumored to have financial troubles, leading to speculation that they could sell their franchise or become a breeding ground for top teams. But instead of offloading their best players to the league’s dominant forces, Phoenix has chosen a different path—one that prioritizes staying competitive even within their limitations.

Their refusal to become a feeder team is evident in the way they have handled their roster. Despite parting ways with Jason Perkins, RR Garcia, and now Muyang, they continue to retool with young, promising talent such as Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero, and Kim Aurin.

Muyang’s Move: A Loss, but Not a Death Blow

Larry Muyang’s move to Pampanga is not a major basketball loss for Phoenix. His 3-point, 6-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steal, 1-block stat line in his last game was respectable but far from irreplaceable. However, his departure signals that Phoenix is operating under financial constraints, potentially unable to match offers from other leagues.

For Pampanga, this is a massive boost. With Justine Baltazar now in the PBA with Converge, Muyang provides much-needed frontcourt presence for the defending MPBL champions.

Phoenix's Future: Will They Hold the Line?

Phoenix’s ability to stay afloat without becoming a farm team is admirable, but the question remains: How long can they keep this up?

If financial struggles persist, bigger names like Tio or Javee Mocon could be next to leave. For now, though, Phoenix remains a gritty, self-sustaining squad that refuses to bow down to the financial powerhouses of the league.

While losing Muyang stings, the Fuel Masters are still fighting—and that’s what matters most.