Petron trades No. 3 pick Mallari

Alex Mallari, the surprise third overall pick by Petron Blaze in this year’s Draft, was in the center of a three-team multiplayer trade approved by the PBA Commissioner’s office Tuesday, finding his way to San Mig Coffee by way of Barako Bull.

After seeing limited minutes and never really blossoming with the Boosters, Mallari finds himself in another talent-laden side, joining former two-time MVP James Yap, June Simon and Marc Pingris of San Mig.

Mallari and Jojo Duncil were first dealt to Barako Bull for Ronald Tubid but the Energy traded Mallari, veteran Leo Najorda and rookie Lester Alvarez to San Mig for JC Intal, Jonas Villanueva and rookie Aldrech Ramos, who the Mixers acquired in exchange for hardworking forward Sean Anthony during the draft.

Ramos eventually found his way to Alaska in exchange for Mac Baracael, who the Energy traded to Ginebra for Allein Maliksi.

Petron also gave up its 2014 first-round draft pick to Barako Bull.

Mallari was picked third only behind 6-foot-9 June Mar Fajardo of Petron and Calvin Abueva of Alaska.

But he never really turned out to be the player expected of him as Petron also struggled with its own issues.