Meralco Pushes for Ahanmisi, but Ginebra Holds Tight
A new rumor from reliable source Snow Badua suggests that the Meralco Bolts have attempted to negotiate a trade for Maverick Ahanmisi, a player who has been largely underutilized by Barangay Ginebra. However, the deal reportedly fell through because Ginebra demanded a steep price: either Bong Quinto or a future first-round pick. This news, if true, confirms a perplexing trend: Ginebra seems content to hold on to a player they aren't fully using, rather than acquire a player they need more.
The reported trade negotiation is a clear indication that Meralco is serious about their title aspirations. They are a team in need of a scoring guard, and Ahanmisi's resume—a former top scorer with Converge—makes him an ideal fit. His ability to create his own shot and his size would have made him a valuable asset for the Bolts. By offering Bong Quinto, Meralco was reportedly willing to give up a key player who just helped them win their first-ever PBA championship. Quinto is a versatile player who is a great defender and a consistent scorer. His inclusion in the potential trade shows that Meralco's management is willing to go all-in to get a player they believe can help them win a title.
On the other hand, Ginebra's reported asking price for Ahanmisi is puzzling. While Ahanmisi is a talented player, his diminished role on the team makes him a luxury that they can't afford. The Gin Kings have a clear need for a player who can fill the void left by Jamie Malonzo. Ahanmisi, while a good player, is not a like-for-like replacement for Malonzo. By asking for a first-round pick or a player of Quinto's caliber, Ginebra seems to be happy keeping Ahanmisi instead of getting a player that they need more.
It's a strange decision for a team that is in "win now" mode. With their core getting older, the Gin Kings need to make moves that can help them win a championship now. Holding on to a valuable asset that is not getting consistent playing time is a questionable move. The PBA community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
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