FILE – Magnolia guard Justine Melton. INQUIRER FILE
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia exchanged speed for size after it traded away Justin Melton and Kyle Pascual to Terrafirma for center James Laput.
Melton, who earned the nickname Quickmelt for his athleticism and pace, had played his entire PBA career with the Hotshots after the team selected him 13th overall in the 2013 Draft.
The 5-foot-9 guard won four titles with the Hotshots, including the 2014 Grand Slam under then coach Tim Cone.
Pascual, meanwhile, will return to the team that drafted him 24th overall in 2014.
A young journeyman at 31, the 6-foot-6 power forward has already played for three teams and helped Magnolia to the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
Center James Laput. PBA IMAGES
Laput, who stands at 6-foot-10, will join his second team in as many seasons after the Dyip selected him eighth overall in the Season 46 Draft, essentially the 2020 edition of the rookie selection night.
The towering center from De La Salle will join Magnolia’s frontcourt of Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Rafi Reavis, Aris Dionisio, and Jackson Corpuz.