David Murrell is headed to Ginebra Gin Kings. –PBA IMAGES
Barangay Ginebra officially signed David Murrell on Thursday after being placed on the unrestricted free agent list by sister team Magnolia.
The PBA announced Murrell’s move on its transactions page in a move the Gin Kings hope would help fill up their need to make up for the absence of injured forward Jamie Malonzo, who is out for 6-8 weeks due to a calf injury.
Ginebra was allowed to pick up Murrell after no team outside of the San Miguel Corporation block expressed interest in getting the University of the Philippines product and 2023 PBA Slam Dunk champion.
READ: PBA: Ginebra ‘looking for help,’ opens itself to trade talks
Under PBA rules, if no team showed interest in signing a player placed on the UFAWR2S (unrestricted free agent with rights to salary) during a five-day period, he is free to sign with a sister team.
Murrell will be joining his fourth team since being selected by NLEX in the second round of the Season 46 Draft in 2021.
NLEX traded Murrell to Converge in 2022 before he was shipped to Magnolia in 2023. Both deals involved multiple players and future picks.
He has barely seen action for the Hotshots this season, playing a total of seven games since the import-flavored Commissioner’s Cup.
Murrell was placed on the UFAWR2S last April 14 to make room for new addition Jerrick Balanza.