San Miguel sends Kelly Nabong to NorthPort for Russel Escoto

San Miguel kicked off its preparation for the upcoming 2020 Philippine Cup by sending big man Kelly Nabong to NorthPort for up-and-coming stretch four Russel Escoto.

The 31-year old Nabong, who is currently under indefinite suspension from SMB management for his role in a practice brawl which also involved Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid and import Dez Wells, will mark his return to the team he played for twice.

The 7-year pro spent his first season in the league with Meralco before moving over to the Batang Pier, then known as GlobalPort, in a trade for guard Sol Mercado. He spent two seasons with the Mikee Romero-owned franchise before being traded back to the Bolts for John Wilson.

The 6-foot-6 bruiser was on the move again after just one season, this time to the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for Gabby Espinas plus a future pick.

Escoto, meanwhile, will be moving over to his third team after entering the league in 2016 as Columbian’s pick in the special draft. He was acquired by the Batang Pier just last August in exchange for the pair of Joseph Gabayni and Lervin Flores.

The 27-year old native of Angeles City posted averages of 3.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9 minutes per outing in his lone conference for NorthPort.

The one-for-one swap has already been approved by the Office of the Commissioner.