Northport and Blackwater are finalizing a swap that would send Jio Jalalon to the Bossing in exchange for Justin Chua.
Trade papers have already been submitted to the PBA office and are now awaiting approval, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
Jalalon’s contract is set to expire on September 30, after which he would become a free agent.
However, despite being drafted in 2016, the 5-foot-9 floor general from Cagayan de Oro is not yet eligible for unrestricted free agency, as he needs one more conference to reach the 21-conference requirement.
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The 33-year-old guard was acquired by NorthPort from Magnolia last July 15, 2024, in a three-team trade that also involved Ginebra.
During the 2025 Philippine Cup, Jalalon averaged 8.33 points, 4.67 assists, 4.44 rebounds, and 1.44 steals per game.
He was also named the 2023 PBA Defensive Player of the Year.
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If the trade is approved, NorthPort will receive a seasoned 12-year veteran in Chua.
The 6-foot-6 stretch big man began his career with GlobalPort as the 10th overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft.
Over the years, he has suited up for San Miguel, Barako Bull, Meralco, TNT, Phoenix, and NLEX before landing with Blackwater, where he played 11 games in the last conference.
