Magnolia’s gamble on Navarro backfires as questions arise over Munzon trade snub

PBA trades are often judged in hindsight, and Magnolia’s decision to acquire William Navarro instead of Joshua Munzon is now being second-guessed after the Hotshots ended their campaign empty-handed.

According to multiple sources, Magnolia weighed both players heavily as the Philippine Cup trade deadline loomed. In the end, Navarro’s breakout performance in Candon, Ilocos Sur — where he posted 27 points and 13 rebounds in NorthPort’s 106-97 loss to the Hotshots — tipped the balance. Munzon, for his part, finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the same game.

Three days later, Magnolia finalized a deal with NorthPort, sending Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second-round draft pick in exchange for Navarro, who at that point was the Batang Pier’s leading scorer. Insiders by Spin.ph added that had the Hotshots opted for Munzon instead, an entirely different set of players would have been shipped.

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Magnolia had the choice of getting either Navarro or Munzon in the controversial NorthPort trade #SourcesSay

Who made the call? https://t.co/R9J0NoiPkf

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) September 22, 2025

But Navarro’s arrival didn’t yield the expected results. With limited time to adjust to the Hotshots’ system, the versatile forward struggled to make an impact, and Magnolia failed to advance to the semifinals.

The situation worsened when Navarro declined the contract extension offered by Magnolia. Instead of staying, he signed with Korean Basketball League side Busan KCC Egis, leaving the Hotshots with nothing more than his playing rights.

The turn of events has sparked debate among observers on whether Magnolia miscalculated in pursuing Navarro over Munzon, especially with the franchise eager to give rookie coach LA Tenorio a strong foundation in his debut season at the helm.

As the dust settles, the Hotshots’ gamble has become one of the more talked-about storylines of the offseason — and a cautionary tale about how every trade decision can shape a team’s future.

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