MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots got a major upgrade to their frontline by acquiring sophomore forward Zavier Lucero as part of a three-team, five-player trade.
Based on the trade deal approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office’s trade committee, the Hotshots got Lucero from NorthPort Batang Pier for Jiovani Jalalon and Abu Tratter.
The Batang Pier then sent center Benedict Adamos to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in exchange for forward Sidney Onwubere, who is returning to NorthPort after three seasons.
Lucero, formerly of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, is expected to boost the Hotshots’ power forward position as he will play alongside Calvin Abueva, Jackson Corpuz, and Russell Escoto.
Lucero posted impressive numbers in his 12-game appearance with the Batang Pier last season, averaging 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Jalalon, Tratter, and Onwubere, meanwhile, will provide added veteran presence in the Batang Pier’s guard and forward positions after falling short of their playoff run last conference.
The 6-foot-7 Adamos, on the other hand, will shore up the Gin Kings’ center position after recently trading Christian Standhardinger in a blockbuster trade with Terrafirma Dyip.
Adamos joins George Isaac Go and Stephen Holt, who were acquired from the Dyip in exchange for Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle, as the newest member of the Gin Kings.
Meanwhile, the Gin Kings shipped its PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft second round selections Ahmad Didat Hanapi and Jose Paolo Hernandez to the Dyip for a second-round draft pick next season.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, on the other hand, traded Negrense Miguel Corteza, their second-round selection, to Blackwater Bossing in exchange for a future second-round pick./PN
