PBA approves Jamie Malonzo, Von Pessumal to Brgy. Ginebra trade
Jamie Malonzo and Von Pessumal are officially headed to Brgy. Ginebra.
The high-flying Malonzo was acquired by the Gin Kings from NorthPort in exchange for Arvin Tolentino, Prince Caperal and the team’s first round pick in next season’s rookie draft.
The 26-year old Fil-Am will be entering his 3rd year in the PBA after being chosen 2nd overall by the Batang Pier in the Season 46 PBA draft.
Pessumal, meanwhile, was initially dealt by the San Miguel Beermen to the Mikee Romero-owned franchise for the team’s second round picks in the 2025 and 2026 draft. The former Ateneo de Manila standout was then sent to the crowd favorites in exchange for the duo of Jeff Chan and Kent Salado.
He will move on to his third team in the league after spending a season with the Pido Jarencio-mentored ballclub and then six with the newly-crowned Philippine Cup champions.
The league formally gave its stamp of approval on the three-team deal on Tuesday morning after reports of the blockbuster trade broke out on social media the day before.
Tolentino, Caperal, Chan and Salado will join a NorthPort squad already loaded with former Brgy. Ginebra players. On the team’s active roster are Paolo Taha, Art dela Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Jervy Cruz, Jerrick Balanza and MJ Ayaay. Others prominent names who were also acquired from the Gin Kings but are not with the squad anymore include Greg Slaughter and Sol Mercado.
NorthPort will open its campaign in the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, September 21 against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.