In the ever-active world of PBA trade buzz, Snow Badua has once again struck a chord with his latest cryptic—and candid—revelation. The "King of PBA Trade Rumors" has set his sights on Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard Andrei Caracut, hinting that the former De La Salle standout might be on the move.
Badua’s post, delivered in his signature "blind-item-but-not-really" style, took a sharp jab at the guard’s recent form:
"Andrei Caracut nasa trading block?!. 'Pogi naman talaga siya pero nung una, KALA KO CUTE'" — Snow Badua
The wordplay on "Cute" (a play on Caracut's surname) suggests that while the potential was once endearing, the charm may be wearing off for the Rain or Shine brass.
The Reality: A Numbers Game
The rumor doesn’t come out of nowhere. Looking at the recently concluded 2025-2026 Philippine Cup, Caracut’s production hit a significant wall. For a player once hailed by Coach Yeng Guiao as the "future of the team's backcourt," the dip in stats is jarring:
| Category | 2025-2026 Philippine Cup Stats |
| Points Per Game | 4.3 PPG |
| Field Goal % | 25% |
| 3-Point % | 14.7% |
| Minutes Per Game | 12.6 MPG |
For a volume shooter and primary playmaker, a 25% field goal clip makes it difficult to stay on the floor, especially in a Yeng Guiao system that demands efficiency and quick decision-making.
Why the "Trading Block" Makes Sense
1. The Backcourt Logjam
Rain or Shine is currently "guard-heavy." With the arrival of veterans like Stanley Pringle and the continuous rise of young stars like Adrian Nocum (who recently signed a three-year extension) and Gian Mamuyac, minutes are becoming a premium. Caracut, who saw his playing time dwindle to just over 12 minutes a game last conference, has become the odd man out in the rotation.
2. The "Yeng Guiao" Factor
Coach Yeng is famous for his "no-sacred-cows" policy. If a player isn't performing, regardless of their past "pogi" points or potential, they become an asset for a trade. By putting Caracut on the block now, ROS could potentially acquire a versatile big man or defensive wing—areas where the team struggled during their quarterfinal exit against Meralco.
3. Change of Scenery
A trade might actually be the best thing for Caracut. At 29, he is in his prime years. A move to a team in need of a secondary playmaker—perhaps a team like Blackwater or NorthPort—could allow him to rediscover the shooting touch that made him a Player of the Week candidate just a season ago.
What’s Next for the Elasto Painters?
If Snow Badua’s "Haka-Haka" (speculation) holds true, we could see a deal finalized before the Commissioner’s Cup kicks off. Rain or Shine is clearly in "win-now" mode with their mix of young talent and veteran acquisitions, and they can't afford a scoring drought from their backup point guard position.
The Takeaway: In the PBA, "Pogi" only gets you so far. On a Yeng Guiao-led team, it's the "Puntos" (points) and "Persyento" (percentage) that keep you in the jersey.
Related Article: PBA Trade Rumors: Magnolia and NLEX are cooking a trade?
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