The dust has settled on the 2025 PBA Draft, and while the new draftees are celebrating their entry into the professional league, the harsh reality of the PBA's trade landscape looms. With a new rule protecting the number one pick from being traded for two years, the focus now shifts to the other draftees. Here are the top three first-round picks most likely to be the first to be traded in the coming months.
3. LJay Gonzales (NLEX Road Warriors)
The selection of LJay Gonzales by NLEX at number five was a surprise to many. The Road Warriors already boast a guard rotation that is one of the deepest in the league, with veteran point guards like Robert Bolick, Richie Rodger, and Kevin Alas all vying for minutes. While Gonzales is a talented and athletic guard who showed flashes of brilliance in the Draft Combine, his path to playing time in NLEX is unclear. Given the team's depth, it's highly likely that Gonzales could be considered a valuable trade chip if a good offer for a big man or a wing comes their way. For a team that is in "win now" mode, swapping a young guard for a more seasoned veteran makes a lot of sense.
2. Sonny Estil (Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings)
Ginebra's selection of Sonny Estil at number 11 was another head-scratcher for some. While Estil had a solid performance in the Draft Combine, winning the MVP award, he is still a relatively unproven prospect. Given that Ginebra is a team that is always in the hunt for a championship, they are not a team that is known for developing young players. Estil's trade value might be at its peak right now, especially after his MVP performance. If Ginebra gets a good offer for a player who can contribute immediately, they would be smart to take it. Trading a young prospect for a proven veteran is a familiar move for the Gin Kings, and it would not be a surprise if Estil is on the move soon.
1. Dalph Panopio (Blackwater Bossing)
The biggest trade target in this year's draft is without a doubt Dalph Panopio. It was a massive shock for the entire league when he fell to Blackwater at number three. Panopio, a talented guard with a history with Gilas Youth and a track record of playing professionally overseas, was seen as a potential top-three pick. While Blackwater was able to steal him from the San Miguel Corporation teams, who were reportedly interested in him, that does not mean he will stay with them for long. Blackwater has a history of letting go of its top picks and valuable players for a quick fix. Panopio's talent, coupled with the team's history of questionable decisions, makes him the top candidate to be traded. A team that is in dire need of a point guard, like TNT or Ginebra, would likely be willing to offer a big package to get him. The question is not if he will be traded, but when.
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