The three-team trade between Converge, NLEX, and Meralco is a fascinating piece of roster engineering. By moving veterans for youth and potential, all three teams are effectively addressing specific gaps in their depth charts.
Here is a breakdown of the transaction and how it impacts each franchise:
Part 1: The NLEX-Converge Exchange
In this leg of the deal, NLEX sends Javee Mocon and Jonnel Policarpio to Converge in exchange for Schonny Winston and Kevin Racal.
Racal for Mocon: This specific swap is slightly in favor of Converge. Mocon was once a top-three player for his previous teams (Rain or Shine and Phoenix), providing a versatile skillset at the forward spot. While he has seen a reduced role at NLEX, he still possesses high-caliber talent. Kevin Racal, however, remains a valuable asset—a proven 3-and-D wingman with veteran experience who can stabilize NLEX's perimeter defense.
Winston for Policarpio: This exchange is slightly in favor of NLEX. Schonny Winston has already proven he is a certified starting-caliber player in the PBA with elite scoring gravity. NLEX gets a "win-now" piece to pair with Robert Bolick. However, Converge isn't walking away empty-handed; Jonnel Policarpio is a 6-foot-5 "unicorn" prospect who is still very young and possesses arguably the highest ceiling in this entire trade.
Part 2: The Meralco-Converge Deal
Converge immediately moves Mocon to Meralco, receiving rookie guard Kurt Reyson and a 2027 2nd round pick.
The Value of the Package: This is a fair and logical exchange. For Meralco, they get an ex-top-caliber player in Mocon who can provide championship experience and wing depth off the bench.
The "Double Draft" Factor: For Converge, getting a young, high-motor guard like Reyson plus a 2nd round pick in the 2027 "Double Draft" is a smart long-term play. Since the 2027 draft will feature two years' worth of collegiate talent, that 2nd round pick is widely considered to have the talent value of a standard 1st rounder.
Final Verdict: A Win-Win-Win
Overall, the trade is a good one because it distributes assets according to team timelines.
NLEX gets immediate production and scoring.
Meralco adds veteran grit to their wing rotation.
Converge successfully pivots toward a younger, high-upside core with Policarpio and Reyson, while stocking up on high-value future picks.
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