Arvin Tolentino has been in and out of NorthPort’s lineup through the first four games of the ongoing 2025 PBA Philippine Cup — but not because of an injury.
The 2024–25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference’s appearances have been limited due to unresolved contract issues.
After the league’s 48th season concluded in May of last year, the 29-year-old forward made it known that he had only one year remaining on his contract with the Batang Pier.
Multiple sources have since confirmed that his deal officially expired on April 30, making him a restricted free agent.
While NorthPort technically has the right to “auto-extend” Tolentino’s contract until the end of the conference, a team insider shared that the forward has yet to consent to it.
The ongoing stalemate resulted in Tolentino sitting out NorthPort’s 131–106 loss to Barangay Ginebra on April 30.
So far, he has suited up in two games, averaging 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
(C) PBA Images
The 29-year-old forward’s run over the past year has been nothing short of spectacular, including dropping a career-high 51 points against Converge on August 29 while also tallying a couple of triple-doubles during that stretch.
His recent surge in performance has caught the attention of international scouts, including interest from several storied franchises in the Korean Basketball League.
Now a father of two daughters, Tolentino has both time and leverage on his side.
With the KBL season not kicking off until September, he can continue to explore options — whether to renegotiate with NorthPort or pursue an overseas stint.
For now, the decision looms: will Tolentino return to finish the Philippine Cup with the Batang Pier?
