PBA: Magnolia trades Calvin Abueva to NorthPort for William Navarro

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Magnolia Hotshots have traded enigmatic forward Calvin Abueva to the NorthPort Batang Pier.

In exchange, the Hotshots received promising big man William Navarro to bolster their strong campaign so far in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.

The deal was approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Tuesday.

Magnolia also sent Jerrick Balanza and a Season 51 second round pick to the Batang Pier.

Abueva was acquired by the Hotshots from the Phoenix Fuel Masters in 2021 for Chris Banchero and two draft picks.

The 37-year-old Abueva, now joining his fourth PBA team, is expected to provide some veteran presence for the struggling NorthPort, which only has one win in seven outings this conference.

Meanwhile, Navarro has been one of the best young cagers in the Philippine Cup as he averages 20.57 points and 10.57 rebounds. His length and shooting will be key for Magnolia, which holds a league-best 7-1 win-loss record.

Navarro is the second player acquired by the Hotshots from NorthPort in less than a year. Zavier Lucero was traded to Magnolia for Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter.