The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots shaking up the league by trading seasoned veterans Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter for rising star Zav Lucero

zavier lucero abu tratter jio jalalon

MAGNOLIA finally unloaded Jio Jalalon to Northport to get its hands on sophomore big man Zav Lucero.

Also part of the major trade that happened a day after the PBA Season 49 Draft was Abu Tratter, who will now go to NorthPort.

The PBA trade committee has already approved the deal.

Jalalon, long at the center of trade rumors, was finally unloaded as Magnolia begins to revamp a roster that has more runner-up finishes than championships won the past five years.

The former Arellano star will have a ready replacement in the backcourt in Jerom Lastimosa, who the Hotshots drafted at No. 9 overall on Sunday.

In the 6-foot-7 Lucero, the Hotshots likewise acquired the big man that can reinvigoate an ageing frontline that has long been their Achilles heel.

Jalalon submitted numbers of 10.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.3 boards in the All-Filipino conference in what was his final stint with the Purefoods franchise.

The Hotshots were booted out in the quarterfinals by Barangay Ginebra.