Column Re-write: No More Defending This Trade — Fans See Through It Now
If you were stunned by Magnolia’s decision to send 37-year-old Calvin Abueva and seldom-used Jerrick Balanza to NorthPort in exchange for rising star William Navarro, you weren’t alone — but the clues were there for a while.
Abueva’s diminished role had been raising eyebrows long before the trade was finalized. Back in the Commissioner’s Cup, fans took to social media to express concern and confusion over Abueva’s limited minutes. He logged zero playing time on December 4 against NorthPort and December 11 versus TNT, even though he was reportedly healthy after a neck spasm.
Coach Chito Victolero downplayed the situation, chalking it up to the presence of imports and promising Abueva would return to his normal rotation spot in the Philippine Cup.
That never really materialized.
Still Capable, But Clearly Phased Out
To be fair, Abueva is not washed. He was still contributing this conference, averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in about 16 minutes per game. But let’s face it: he hadn’t started a single match, and the writing was on the wall.
He was traded for William Navarro, a 27-year-old putting up 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game — production and potential far exceeding anything Abueva or Balanza could offer at this stage.
Victolero said it was a "hard choice" to part with Abueva, and that might be true emotionally. But from a basketball and business standpoint, this was an obvious and easy decision for Magnolia.
Abueva, once the heartbeat of Magnolia’s energy and hustle, had become a spare part in a younger, faster, and more versatile Hotshots roster. Magnolia's offense has evolved into something more fluid, movement-heavy, and spacing-oriented — not the ideal setup for a player whose game thrives on chaos, bruising, and interior grind.
Magnolia Robbed NorthPort — And Everyone Knows It
Here’s where the real issue lies.
It’s not that Magnolia made a smart upgrade — that’s obvious. The problem is how blatantly lopsided the deal is, and fans are noticing.
Gone are the days when trade controversies would be swept under the rug or defended by loyalists. Today’s PBA fans are sharper, louder, and better informed, and it’s clear almost no one is defending this trade anymore.
Navarro, at 27, is not only younger and better statistically, but he fits perfectly into Magnolia’s two-way forward rotation alongside Zavier Lucero. The two could form the most versatile forward combo in the league, with both players able to defend multiple positions and score in a variety of ways.
Meanwhile, Abueva, despite his legacy and gritty appeal, is nearing the end. Balanza has barely cracked the rotation. NorthPort gave up a possible franchise player for what amounts to nostalgic sentiment and depth filler.
No Excuse for NorthPort
From NorthPort’s perspective, this deal is almost indefensible. Whether it’s due to pressure from behind-the-scenes arrangements or simply poor front-office judgment, this kind of trade damages the credibility of the franchise and the league.
It only reinforces the perception of “farm team” dynamics — something the PBA can’t afford when it’s already fighting for the attention and trust of its fan base.
Final Thoughts
Magnolia just became the clear championship favorite. NorthPort, meanwhile, just gave away its best player for virtually nothing.
And the fans? They’re not buying the excuses anymore.
The trade may be done, but the backlash is only beginning. As the league moves forward, it’s becoming obvious: PBA fans are no longer just watching. They’re paying attention.
Comments
Post a Comment