Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
TNT beat the trade deadline and sent shockwaves on Monday as it dealt forward Ranidel de Ocampo to Meralco in a three-team trade.
In a drive to get younger, the KaTropa received Norbert Torres, Justin Chua, and San Miguel’s 2017 first round pick from Phoenix.
The Fuel Masters, meanwhile, received Meralco’s 2017 first rounder together with TNT’s 2019 second round pick.
The Office of the Commissioner approved the trade on Monday.
De Ocampo, 35, has been with the KaTropa since 2008 and helped the franchise win six championships in his tenure there.
His entry will be a huge shot in the arm for the Bolts as he reunites with former coach Norman Black.
De Ocampo is averaging 9.1 points on 33 percent shooting from three, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists this conference.
Torres and Chua, meanwhile, will fortify TNT’s young frontline which also has youngsters Mo Tautuaa and Troy Rosario and veterans Kelly Williams and Harvey Carey.
Torres is averaging 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in just 12.6 minutes in his sophomore season with Phoenix, while Chua only netted 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds in 9.7 minutes with Meralco in his fourth season.