Blockbuster on the Horizon: Titan Ultra Pursues Dave Ildefonso as Cornerstone or Trade Chip
The newly-minted Titan Ultra Giant Risers are wasting no time shaking up the PBA landscape. Following the franchise's acquisition, a major rumor has surfaced that the Giant Risers are in "constant negotiation" with the camp of one of the league's most talked-about unsigned talents: Dave Ildefonso.
Ildefonso, the former fifth overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, has been at an impasse with the franchise's predecessor, NorthPort Batang Pier, over his rookie contract. This stalemate led the agile 6'5" guard to ply his trade with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the MPBL, making him one of the most valuable un-signed assets in Philippine professional basketball. The recent PBA rule, which imposes a three-year ban on drafted rookies who play in another league without signing a contract, only solidifies Titan Ultra's perpetual rights to him.
The Two-Pronged Strategy
The intelligence from "kuliglig" points to a calculated, two-pronged strategy by the Titan Ultra management.
Option 1: The Cornerstone 🏛️
The first and most direct path is to finally secure Ildefonso's services by offering him the contract he originally desired. The Giant Risers are reportedly "willing to give what Ildefonso wanted when he initially negotiated his rookie contract."
Bringing Ildefonso into the fold would provide Titan Ultra with an immediate superstar cornerstone for their team, a young, versatile, and dynamic wing capable of becoming the franchise's face. This move directly supports the Giant Risers' stated goal of building a competitive roster and developing good players within two to three years. Placing him alongside veteran Calvin Abueva and other young guns like Joshua Munzon and Cade Flores would immediately bolster their competitive fire.
Option 2: Maximizing Trade Value 📈
The second, and arguably more lucrative path, involves trading Ildefonso's rights. The Giant Risers are reportedly "open to trade rights" to the MPBL superstar for a chance to pick in the top 5 of next year's draft. This move would be a masterclass in asset management, turning a stalemate inherited from the previous franchise into a future asset.
The rumor mill is already buzzing with interested parties, with Converge, NLEX, and Rain or Shine all said to be keenly interested.
Converge has a clear family connection, as Ildefonso's father, PBA legend Danny Ildefonso, is an assistant coach (and was recently activated as a player) for the FiberXers.
NLEX and Rain or Shine are perennially on the hunt for top talent to enhance their rebuilding or retooling efforts.
For the Giant Risers, a trade for a future top-five pick could be an invaluable piece to their rebuilding puzzle, allowing them to secure another high-ceiling rookie and double down on their promise of developing through the draft.
The Bottom Line
The negotiations with Dave Ildefonso are a defining moment for the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. After the franchise was criticized for letting Jio Jalalon walk away for free, the pursuit of Ildefonso—either to sign him as a foundational star or to trade his rights for a premium draft pick—shows a decisive shift towards aggressive and strategic asset utilization. For the Giant Risers, the failed contract negotiation with the former NorthPort pick has now become a massive opportunity.
Related Article: PBA Trade Rumors: TNT wants the #1 pick of the next draft?
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