PBA Trade Rumors: Rain or Shine TOP 3 Players that could be TRADED in the OFFSEASON!

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters' 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign ended in familiar heartbreak, bowing out in four games to the Converge FiberXers in the quarterfinal round. Even with the legendary Yeng Guiao pulling the tactical strings, the Elasto Painters once again failed to break through to the PBA Finals. Guiao’s egalitarian system kept Rain or Shine competitive throughout the conference, but when the postseason pressure reached its peak, their lack of a dominant finishing punch cost them.

The primary silver lining of the tournament was the dramatic ascension of Adrian Nocum. Thrust into a heavy usage role, Nocum blossomed into a top 8 point guard in the league, orchestrating the offense, breaking down defenses, and cementing his place as the franchise’s cornerstone playmaker. However, Nocum’s rise creates a structural ripple effect across the rest of the guard rotation.

As Coach Yeng and management look toward the 51st season, standing pat is no longer a viable option. Here are the top three players Rain or Shine could explore trading this offseason:

#3. Felix Lemetti

Felix Lemetti has proven his worth as a capable perimeter scorer and floor-spacer. However, as his contract nears its next negotiation cycle, Lemetti will inevitably command a big-money offer sheet. For an independent franchise operating on a disciplined budget, the central financial dilemma is clear: Can Rain or Shine afford to pay maximum contracts to two primary guards in the same backcourt? With Nocum rapidly establishing himself as the undisputed lead guard, allocating top-tier cap space to Lemetti might restrict the front office from addressing crucial frontcourt needs. Packaging Lemetti now allows Rain or Shine to flip a high-value asset for frontcourt depth before his contract demands force their hand.

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#2. Santi Santillan

Santi Santillan’s 2026 campaign was an unquestionable disappointment. Once considered a staple of Guiao’s physical frontcourt rotation, Santillan saw his minutes and impact steadily diminish as the conference progressed. He has noticeably slid down the pecking order behind Caelan Tiongson and Jhonard Clarito, both of whom offer superior defensive versatility, high-octane energy, and seamless fit in transition. With Tiongson and Clarito absorbing the majority of the wing-forward minutes, Santillan has become surplus to requirements in Coach Yeng’s system, making him an ideal change-of-scenery candidate for a rival team seeking frontcourt scoring.

#1. Andrei Caracut

Andrei Caracut represents the most pressing roster dilemma facing the Elasto Painters. Caracut has been a reliable floor general, but with Nocum's breakout season absorbing the team's primary playmaking duties, Caracut’s role has become redundant. More importantly, his contract status is ticking toward a critical junction. Rain or Shine has yet to extend his contract beyond this season. If the front office has no immediate plans to commit to a multi-year extension, they cannot afford to let a proven veteran walk in free agency for zero return. Finding a trade partner this offseason is the logical move, allowing Rain or Shine to recoup draft assets or rotational pieces while giving Caracut an opportunity to lead a backcourt elsewhere.

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