The NLEX Road Warriors are set to make another trade, as they will receive Alex Mallari from the Mahindra Floodbuster in exchange for Eric Camson and Glenn Khobuntin, according to a source closely monitoring the situation. The paperwork is currently being processed, the source added.
According to the source, Mallari, a five-year league veteran, was sent home prior to Mahindra’s practice earlier , which was held at the Azure Urban Resort and Residences in Bicutan, Paranaque. The 30-year-old was told that he was being traded to NLEX.
Mallari is currently averaging 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals this season, but has seen both his minutes and production drop this conference. After playing 34.5 minutes during the Philippine Cup, his minutes dropped to 27.7 this on-going Commissioners Cup — including a DNP last April 19 — and he is posting averages of 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
In addition, he has been called out numerous times by Chris Gavina throughout the conference. The Filipino-American swingman’s stint with Mahindra lasted only 185 days.
On the other hand, this is the first major trade for NLEX in the Yeng Guiao era.
After months of trying to involve themselves in trades, Guiao has gone on record to say that they are ready to let their guards down and listen to trade offers. Their last major acquisitions prior to this had been a trade for Rabeh Al-Hussaini and the pick up of Juami Tiongson.
Camson played in just six games this conference, averaging 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, while sophomore Khobuntin is currently averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in seven games.
NLEX are currently in the midst of a 12-game losing streak, having last won against TNT back in January 7.
UPDATE: (2017/5/5 14:27) The trade has been finalized, with Mahindra shipping Kenneth Ighalo and their 2020 second round pick as well.
