Maliksi to Meralco trade approved; Blackwater gets Tolomia, Canaleta

MANILA, Philippines—PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial approved the revised trade that sent Allein Maliski to Meralco from Blackwater on Friday.

The Elite also sent Raymar Jose to the Bolts in exchange for Mike Tolomia, Niño Canaleta and two second round picks in the 2020 and 2022 PBA Draft.

The initial deal wasn’t approved immediately as the five-man league committee ordered the two teams to revise the transaction.

Meralco added another draft selection to the trade after the PBA commissioner’s office veto.

The Bolts are currently in a strong position in the Governors’ Cup, sitting at the fourth spot with a 4-2 record and adding Maliksi will give them added versatility in the wing positions.

Maliksi has struggled in the offensive end this conference with an average of 9.0 points in the seven games for the 11th seeded Elite (2-5) in the Governors’ Cup.

Despite his off form this conference, Maliksi is a proven scorer after averaging 14 points in the Commissioner’s Cup and 16.5 points in the Philippine Cup.

Jose, meanwhile, is a bruising big man who’s averaged 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in six minutes a game off the bench for the Elite.