In a rare three-team trade that has sent ripples through the PBA, the NorthPort Batang Pier (now the Pureblends franchise), Converge FiberXers, and Phoenix Fuel Masters have executed a deal that, on the surface, appears to be a fair exchange. All three players involved—Evan Nelle, Larry Muyang, and Jeo Ambohot—are currently bench players facing different career dilemmas. This trade, approved by the PBA, is a refreshing example of teams addressing specific needs with complementary assets.
Ranking the Winners of the Trade 🏆
While the trade appears fair, a closer look at the potential returns for each team reveals a clear winner. Here is a ranking of which team is the biggest beneficiary.
3. Converge Acquires Larry Muyang
Converge's acquisition of Larry Muyang feels like a move of personal loyalty rather than a strategic basketball decision. Muyang, who is facing an indefinite PBA ban, is a well-known "guy" of Converge's new consultant, Dennis Pineda, and he has a history of playing for his teams in the MPBL. While Muyang is a solid big man who could provide much-needed size and rebounding, his fit with the current Converge frontline of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar is questionable. The team already has two talented big men who are getting significant minutes, and Muyang's arrival would crowd the position, possibly hindering the development of their young stars. The move to acquire Muyang, a player who has been out of the league for some time, seems like a risky gamble, especially when compared to what the other teams in the trade are getting.
2. Phoenix Acquires Evan Nelle
The trade of Evan Nelle to Phoenix is a head-scratcher for some, given his underwhelming performance in NorthPort. Despite being a highly touted prospect from La Salle and a UAAP champion, Nelle struggled to get consistent minutes and a defined role with the Batang Pier. He averaged just 4.64 points and 2.55 assists per game in his 11 games with the team last season. It's unclear why a player with his talent and pedigree couldn't crack the starting lineup, but perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what he needs. With Phoenix, Nelle could get the opportunity he deserves and finally reach his full potential. He is a young guard with a high ceiling, and the Fuel Masters are a team in need of a point guard to lead their young core. If Phoenix can unleash Nelle's potential, they will be getting a quality player without giving up a major asset.
1. NorthPort (Pureblends) Acquires Jeo Ambohot
The biggest winner in this trade is undoubtedly the new Pureblends franchise. By acquiring Jeo Ambohot, they are getting a young and promising big man who could be a valuable asset for years to come. While Ambohot has been a bench player for the last few years, he has shown flashes of being a modern big man with a good jump shot and a high basketball IQ. He just needs a coach who will trust him and give him the opportunity to play. In the right system, he could flourish and become the second coming of JP Erram. For a new franchise that is looking to build for the future, getting a young and talented big man with a one-year contract extension is a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay off big in the long run.
This three-team trade, which saw a young star in the making in Nelle, a player with a controversial past in Muyang, and a consistent but unproven big man in Ambohot, is a win for the new Pureblends franchise and a potential risk for the other two. It will be fascinating to see how each player performs with their new team.
Related Article: PBA Trade Analysis: Converge and Phoenix made a blockbuster trade!
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