Magnolia extends Zavier Lucero for two years

The Magnolia Hotshots will keep its star Zavier Lucero in time for the PBA’s historic 50th season.

Lucero was the Hotshots’ best player last season after averaging 14.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, while being one of the league leaders in blocks and 3-point shooting efficiency.

The former UP Maroon was reportedly considering offers from teams in the KBL until newly-appointed head coach and PBA legend LA Tenorio stepped in to keep his best star before his first season.

According to PBA insider Homer Sayson, Lucero and his new head coach had a heart-to-heart discussion with his future coach last Thursday. Days later, the deal was inked.

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PBA: Magnolia, Zavier Lucero agree to two-year deal https://t.co/Gz1mhoGg2S

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) September 13, 2025

Negotiations previously came to an impasse after Lucero wanted to extend for only two years after the Hotshots’ offer of a three-year deal. Magnolia then reluctantly agreed to the multi-year terms with a caveat of an increased salary reduction. 

Magnolia’s original offer comprised P660,000 a month in the first year, increasing to around P750,00 in the second, while peaking at around P800,000 in the final year, according to Sayson. 

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua and team governor Jason Webb were in attendance as their star inked a new deal.

Lucero was drafted fifth overall by the Northport Batang Pier in the 2023 Draft, before he was traded last year to Magnolia in exchange for former star guard Jio Jalalon and big man Abu Tratter.

He and Tenorio will seek to end Magnolia’s seven-year championship drought in the league’s golden season.

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