Proposed Navarro-Abueva Trade Should Be an Easy Reject for the PBA
As the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup intensifies and contenders look to make critical adjustments ahead of the playoffs, trade talks are swirling once again. The latest buzz? A reported deal between the Magnolia Hotshots and the NorthPort Batang Pier involving young star William Navarro first reported by TiebreakerTimes.
According to multiple sources, Magnolia is attempting to acquire the rising two-way forward in exchange for aging veteran Calvin Abueva and bench swingman Jerrick Balanza.
And to be blunt — this should be an easy and immediate “NO” from the PBA’s trade committee.
The Value Discrepancy Is Too Wide
Let’s start with the basics. William Navarro, NorthPort’s Gilas draft pick from 2021, has blossomed into one of the most impactful players in the league today. He is currently averaging:
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20.57 points per game (4th in the league)
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10.57 rebounds
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1.86 assists
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1.14 steals
He’s doing all of that while being one of the few bright spots on a struggling Batang Pier squad. He plays both ends, guards multiple positions, and shows potential to become one of the league’s premier forwards for years to come.
So what’s Magnolia offering in return? A 37-year-old Calvin Abueva, who while still productive at times (8.38 PPG, 5.38 RPG), is clearly in the twilight of his career — and has battled both health issues and suspensions in recent seasons. Add to that Jerrick Balanza, a rotational player at best who has only appeared in four games this conference, and the package simply does not come close to Navarro’s value.
NorthPort Has No Reason to Say Yes
From a basketball standpoint, this is a lopsided trade. But even looking at it from a strategic perspective, it makes no sense for NorthPort.
Why would a team with a promising young core — featuring Navarro, Cade Flores, and Joshua Munzon — trade away its best piece for a declining veteran and a backup guard?
Unless NorthPort is planning to wave the white flag on its rebuild (again), the proposed trade looks more like another blatant attempt by a richer franchise to pluck talent from a smaller-market team.
Magnolia Needs to Do More
To be clear, Navarro is exactly the kind of player Magnolia needs. He could slot in perfectly beside Zavier Lucero and Ian Sangalang to form a dynamic frontcourt. But if they’re serious about acquiring him, they need to bring a lot more to the table.
Whether that’s draft capital, younger rotation players, or a true one-for-one swap involving someone like Aris Dionisio or Rome dela Rosa plus picks, any acceptable Navarro deal must reflect his status as a top 15 player in the league right now.
The PBA Must Step In
It’s high time the PBA trade committee reaffirms its role as a guardian of league balance and fairness. This isn’t just about player movement — it’s about maintaining competitive integrity.
Fans are already sensitive to “farm team” narratives, and approving a trade like this only deepens that perception. NorthPort trading a 27-year-old breakout star for a 37-year-old enforcer and a seldom-used wing? That won’t sit well with the public, nor should it.
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