Jio Jalalon joins TNT Tropang Giga workouts after NorthPort contract expires

Veteran point guard Jio Jalalon was recently seen participating in a workout with the TNT Tropang Giga, intensifying speculation about a possible move to the franchise after his contract with NorthPort Batang Pier officially expired.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes confirmed that Jalalon is currently trying out for a roster spot and is free to join the team’s training sessions, given his current status as a free agent.

“He confirmed to us that his contract has expired, so he is welcome to try out,” Reyes said in a recent media interaction.

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According to reports, Jalalon’s contract with NorthPort expired at the end of August. However, Batang Pier still holds his rights for 30 days. It is understood that the franchise is open to letting the 33-year-old walk, especially as team management navigates a potential sale to Pureblends Corp., reportedly valued at ₱90 million.

NorthPort, now led by new head coach Johnedel Cardel, has already begun reshaping its roster. The team acquired Von Pessumal in the offseason and selected Chris Koon, CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft.

Chot Reyes can’t be serious by saying that Jio Jalalon is “trying out” for Tnt hence his presence at their practices. 2 years removed from being named PBA Defensive Player of the Year, the 33-year-old 5x all-star doesn’t need to try out for any team to secure a roster spot.

— PBA insider 🏀 (@PBAinsider) September 25, 2025

Jalalon, a five-time PBA All-Star, was selected by Star/Magnolia Hotshots in the 2016 draft and spent eight productive years with the franchise. He was a key contributor to Magnolia’s run to the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup title, and built a reputation as one of the league’s premier two-way guards. 

His accolades include:

• 2023 PBA Defensive Player of the Year  
• 2017 PBA Mr. Quality Minutes  
• Three-time All-Defensive Team member  
• Five-time PBA All-Star  

Currently, Jalalon’s future remains in limbo. He was recently traded to Blackwater Bossing in exchange for Justin Chua, but the deal is still pending due to a PBA-imposed moratorium stemming from the ongoing sale discussions involving NorthPort.

Should his status be cleared, TNT is reportedly interested in adding him to strengthen its backcourt, which currently features Jordan Heading, Rey Nambatac, and veteran Jayson Castro. However, Reyes made it clear that a signing is not guaranteed.

“That remains to be seen. He just came in recently, so we still have some evaluating to do,” Reyes said.

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