With the reported three-team trade sending Javee Mocon to the Meralco Bolts pending league approval, the Bolts have successfully added a veteran wing who embodies their "grit and grind" philosophy. However, for a team with an aging core—Chris Newsome (35), Chris Banchero (37), and Cliff Hodge (38)—the Mocon acquisition should only be the beginning.
To truly contend in the PBA’s 50th Season and beyond, Meralco must aggressively target young, high-upside talent to ensure a smooth transition of power. Here are the top three trade targets Meralco should pursue next:
#1. Christian David (Blackwater Bossing)
The Prototype: At 6-foot-6, David is the versatile modern power forward Meralco has lacked since the departure of young assets in previous years.
Why the Fit: While Raymond Almazan and Cliff Hodge provide veteran stability, David offers a much higher ceiling. He is a legit rim protector who can also stretch the floor.
The Opportunity: Recent rumors suggest David’s name has surfaced in trade discussions involving SMC teams. Meralco should jump in with a package featuring future picks to secure a frontline corner-stone who is only 26 years old and finally healthy.
#2. Dalph Panopio (Blackwater Bossing)
The Buy-Low Steal: The 3rd overall pick of the 2025 Draft has had a quiet start to his PBA career, often overshadowed by the explosive play of other rookie guards like Juan Gomez de Liaño.
Why the Fit: Panopio is a 6-foot-1 floor general with elite Italian and US NCAA Division I experience. His basketball IQ and steady playmaking would make him the perfect protégé for Newsome and Banchero.
The Opportunity: If Blackwater is leaning into a "win-now" mode with veterans like Poy Erram, Meralco could leverage their deep bench to acquire Panopio. At just 25, he is a long-term solution to Meralco’s looming backcourt vacancy.
#3. Tyler Tio (Phoenix Fuel Masters)
The "Ateneo Connection": There are mounting reports that Phoenix is looking to "clean house" under new management, and Tyler Tio is arguably their most attractive trade asset.
Why the Fit: Tio is the quintessential Meralco player: high-IQ, disciplined, and a deadly shooter. His Xavier and Ateneo roots also align perfectly with the team's culture.
The Opportunity: Meralco has always valued guards who can play within a system. With Tio reportedly on the block, the Bolts should offer a package that emphasizes youth and potential. Getting Tio would provide Meralco with a knockdown shooter to punish double-teams on Chris Newsome.
Analysis: A Strategic Youth Movement
The Meralco front office has been criticized in the past for holding onto veterans too long. By targeting these three—David, Panopio, and Tio—Meralco would be securing players under the age of 27 with significant professional experience.
| Target | Primary Value | Age |
| Christian David | Modern Power Forward / Rim Protection | 26 |
| Dalph Panopio | High-IQ Playmaking / International Pedigree | 25 |
| Tyler Tio | Elite Perimeter Shooting / System Fit | 27 |
The Verdict: Getting Javee Mocon is a great "win-now" move, but if Meralco wants to avoid a painful rebuilding phase in two years, they need to pull the trigger on a trade for one of these three young stars today.
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