Magnolia acquires William Navarro from NorthPort in exchange for Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Balanza

The Magnolia Hotshots shocked the Philippine basketball community on Tuesday, May 28, by acquiring versatile forward William Navarro from the NorthPort Batang Pier in exchange for veteran Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second-round draft pick.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) approved the deal on the same day. This move marks the second time Magnolia has acquired young talent from NorthPort, following their offseason signing of Zavier Lucero in exchange for guard Jio Jalalon.

Navarro is widely regarded as one of the most promising young big men in the PBA. The former UAAP standout is a versatile scorer, as well as a capable defender and rebounder. Despite NorthPort’s struggles in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, the 28-year-old has stood out, averaging 20.6 points (fourth in the league) and 10.6 rebounds (third overall). He is also shooting an efficient 52.3 percent from the field. Ironically, his last game for NorthPort was against his new team, where he posted 27 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and four steals in a 106–97 loss in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

NorthPort Batang Pier make a big splash, acquiring Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and Magnolia’s 51st Season second-round Draft Pick!

In exchange, the Hotshots secure the rights to William Navarro, bringing youth and versatility to their roster.#PBASeason49 #PBA50 #OneSports pic.twitter.com/8HgcPZN6Gh

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 27, 2025

Abueva, meanwhile, ends his four-year stint with Magnolia, which began on a high note. He led the Hotshots to the 2021 Philippine Cup title and earned Best Player of the Conference honors. However, the 37-year-old has since become known more for his on- and off-court controversies than his performances.

Earlier this year, Abueva was fined ₱100,000 for mocking San Miguel Beermen head coach Jorge Gallent’s disability during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. He also received a repeat ban warning from the league. Following the incident, he got into a post-game verbal altercation with San Miguel center Mo Tautuaa and his wife.

In March 2024, Abueva was fined ₱20,000 and suspended one game for flashing a middle finger at a fan during San Miguel’s Clasico game against long-time rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. NorthPort will be his fourth team in the PBA, following previous stints with the Alaska Aces, Phoenix Fuel Masters, and Magnolia.

Meanwhile, Balanza returns to NorthPort after a two-year absence, having struggled to find consistent playing time at Magnolia and Converge FiberXers.

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