MANILA, Philippines?Jason Castro?s return to Philippine basketball has become more likely following the pullout of the Singapore Slingers from Australia?s National Basketball League.

Danny Espiritu, Castro?s agent, said Thursday he?s working on ?a possible compromise? with Slingers officials that could pave the way for his hotshot ward to immediately suit up in the Philippine Basketball Association.

?We?ll go to the process of [striking a deal] with them regarding Jason?s contract so he can play in the PBA,? said Espiritu. ?We?re thinking of several options, like a 50-percent buyout of his contact. It may also be favorable for them since they won?t be playing in any league.?

The Slingers have decided to see action instead in invitational tournaments in Asia, Europe and the Middle East before unveiling the Asian Pro-League, a new tournament that will tentatively pit at least eight squads in the region in March 2009.

?We?re also checking if Jason can come home to join the rookie camp and the rookie draft,? said Espiritu, even after the PBA allowed the three-time Philippine Basketball League Most Valuable Player to join the annual draft despite his absence next season.

Before leaving for Singapore, Castro left pertinent documents for his application in the PBA rookie draft on Aug. 31.