As I sit here scrolling through the latest PBA trade chatter, I can’t help but feel that this 2021 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Teams are shuffling lineups, whispering about blockbuster deals, and frankly, it’s hard to keep up. But one thing’s clear—everyone’s watching June Mar Fajardo. After that calf injury in Game 1, a lot of us held our breath. I mean, the guy’s a six-time MVP—losing him even briefly could’ve derailed San Miguel’s whole campaign. But you know what? He’s bounced back stronger than I expected. Just look at the numbers: in the first two games post-injury, his scoring jumped from 12 to 18 points, and his rebounds climbed steadily. It’s not just stats, though; you can see it in his movement. He’s lighter on his feet, more aggressive under the basket. That kind of resilience doesn’t just affect his team—it sends ripples across the league, making other clubs rethink their strategies.
Take the Talk 'N Text KaTropa, for instance. Rumor has it they’re eyeing a trade for a reliable big man, maybe someone like Calvin Abueva. Why? Because Fajardo’s resurgence has exposed gaps in their interior defense. I’ve followed Abueva’s career for years, and while he’s no Fajardo, his energy and versatility could shake things up. On the other hand, Barangay Ginebra seems to be playing it cool—and honestly, I think that’s smart. Coach Tim Cone has always favored stability, and with their current roster depth, they might just wait out the frenzy. But let’s not forget the Phoenix Fuel Masters; whispers suggest they’re considering offloading a guard or two to bulk up their frontcourt. It makes sense—if Fajardo keeps dominating, you need bodies to contain him. I remember chatting with a scout last week who estimated that teams are allocating around 60% of their trade discussions to countering San Miguel’s paint presence. That’s huge, and it shows how one player’s form can dictate the market.
From my perspective, the most intriguing talks involve the Meralco Bolts. They’ve been quiet publicly, but behind the scenes, I hear they’re pushing for a multi-player swap. Maybe sending Chris Newsome and a future pick for a star like Matthew Wright. Now, I’ve always been a fan of Wright’s shooting—he averaged 16.5 points last season—but is he the missing piece? I’m not entirely convinced. Meralco’s defense has been leaky, and adding another scorer might not fix that. Meanwhile, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are reportedly open to deals, and I’d love to see them take a risk. They’ve got young talent, but in a season this competitive, experience matters. Someone like Jayson Castro could mentor their backcourt, though his age—he’s 34—might give pause. Personally, I think teams are overestimating short-term fixes. Yeah, Fajardo’s numbers are impressive—he’s shooting 58% from the field in the last three games—but building a roster just to stop him? That’s a narrow focus. I’ve seen seasons where panic trades backfired, leaving teams in worse shape.
As the trade deadline looms, I expect more surprises. Maybe San Miguel will make a move themselves—they’ve got assets to spare. Or perhaps a dark horse like the NorthPort Batang Pier will jump in. Whatever happens, this season’s dynamics are a reminder of how injuries and comebacks shape the game. Fajardo’s recovery isn’t just a subplot; it’s the engine driving these rumors. In my years covering the PBA, I’ve learned that the best trades balance urgency with vision. So, while it’s fun to speculate, let’s not forget the bigger picture. After all, basketball’s a marathon, not a sprint—and this year’s twists are far from over.