PBA Trade Rumors: NorthPort Rumored to Trade Underutilized Big Man; Ginebra Ready to "Shave the Beard"
Veteran sports insider Snow Badua has once again stirred the PBA rumor mill—this time pointing to a potential trade scenario involving NorthPort Batang Pier and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
According to Snow, NorthPort currently has a 6-foot-5 big man who is underutilized, naming either Ben Adamos Flores or Abu Tratter as the likely candidate. He also revealed that Ginebra is reportedly willing to “shave the beard,” a metaphor referring to the possibility of trading Maverick Ahanmisi during the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.
Ginebra’s Trade Chip: Ahanmisi
Ahanmisi has been solid for Ginebra since his arrival—providing secondary playmaking, outside shooting, and on-ball defense. However, with a crowded backcourt that includes Scottie Thompson, Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, and the emerging Von Pessumal, it’s understandable that the team may look to move pieces to address other needs.
Ginebra is clearly preparing to balance its roster and may be targeting additional frontcourt depth or versatile forwards to strengthen their title run.
NorthPort’s Dilemma: Trading a Big When You Need Bigs
On the other side of the trade table, NorthPort’s rumored willingness to part ways with a big man is baffling, especially when you consider the current state of their frontcourt.
After losing JM Calma to injury and still struggling with consistency from their post rotation, trading away a 6’5” body like Flores or Tratter—without getting a better big man in return—would be a questionable move at best.
If the trade involves Maverick Ahanmisi, NorthPort will be getting a reliable veteran guard. But they already have backcourt pieces like Joshua Munzon, Paul Zamar, and Allyn Bulanadi who need touches and minutes. The bigger concern is up front—where they lack size, rim protection, and interior scoring.
The Verdict: Ginebra Stays Calculated, NorthPort Must Tread Carefully
From Ginebra’s standpoint, trading Ahanmisi is logical if it means improving depth in positions where they are thinner. Getting a player like Tratter, a hardworking bruiser who can defend multiple positions and rebound well, could be a strong fit in the Gin Kings' system under coach Tim Cone.
But NorthPort must be cautious. Trading away size for another guard could haunt them down the stretch—especially in a physical All-Filipino conference where battles are often won in the paint.
Unless they’re acquiring a big man of higher caliber or using Ahanmisi as part of a multi-team deal that nets them both playmaking and size, letting go of Flores or Tratter might create more problems than it solves.
Final Word
If Snow Badua’s whispers become reality, the PBA could see yet another impactful trade in the making. Ginebra appears to be moving smartly—possibly shaving the beard to trim excess in the backcourt. But for NorthPort, the stakes are higher. Trading away a big when you desperately need one? That’s a gamble that could either patch their holes or blow them wide open.
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