As the dust settles and the quarterfinal picture becomes clearer in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup, four teams have officially been eliminated from playoff contention: Phoenix Super LPG, NorthPort Batang Pier, Blackwater Bossing, and Terrafirma Dyip.
With the season now in the rearview mirror for these squads, the focus shifts toward roster reshaping and potential trades ahead of the 2025 offseason. Each of these teams possesses at least one notable asset that could draw attention from contenders or rebuilding franchises.
Here’s a look at the top trade asset for each of the eliminated teams:
🔥 Phoenix Super LPG – Jason Perkins
Jason Perkins remains one of the most consistent and productive forwards in the PBA, but at 32 years old, his timeline may no longer align with Phoenix’s core of Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero, and Encho Serrano.
Perkins is still a top 20 player in the league, capable of averaging double digits in points and rebounds while providing leadership and spacing as a stretch four. If Phoenix decides to fully commit to a youth movement, trading Perkins could fetch them a first-round pick or a promising young rotation player.
🔥 NorthPort Batang Pier – Calvin Abueva
Calvin Abueva made a surprising midseason jump to NorthPort after a trade from Magnolia, and while the team struggled to rack up wins, “The Beast” reminded everyone he still has gas in the tank.
At 37, Abueva remains a fan favorite and a high-energy contributor. His recent performances have revived his trade value, and NorthPort — a team showing signs of scaling down its operations — might use this opportunity to trade him for a blue-chip prospect or high-value future pick. Several contenders would love to add his grit and versatility.
🔥 Blackwater Bossing – JVee Casio
JVee Casio, now 38, is one of the league’s most respected veterans. While his numbers have understandably dipped, he still brings floor-spacing, composure, and experience, especially in high-stakes moments.
Blackwater is fully committed to building around its young guns like Rey Suerte, Troy Mallillin, and JB Bahio. In that context, Casio’s presence may be more valuable to a contending team needing a steady hand off the bench. If Blackwater can flip Casio for even a second-round pick, it should be considered a win.
🔥 Terrafirma Dyip – Christian Standhardinger (Rights)
While Christian Standhardinger hasn’t suited up for Terrafirma recently, the team still owns his PBA rights. With a franchise sale looming and new management likely coming in, the direction they take will define whether Standhardinger becomes the centerpiece or the trade chip.
If the new owners opt to rebuild, trading Standhardinger’s rights is the fastest way to accelerate that rebuild. The 35-year-old big man remains a top 5 center in the league, and his value is immense — a potential package of a young star, a first-round pick, and rotation pieces is not out of the question.
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