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Maliksi heads to Blackwater as Star pulls off shock trade

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By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Allein Maliksi played sparingly for Star in its Saturday night game in Sta. Rosa City.

On the other hand, Chris Javier did not check in at all in the said game.

It turned out, that would be the last time we will see them wear the kits of the Purefoods franchise.

Maliksi, whose exploits during the first two conferences earned him a spot at Gilas, and Javier, the Hotshots' pick in the first round of the regular PBA Draft, are going to the Blackwater Elite in a trade that was approved by Commissioner Chito Narvasa on Monday.

In exchange, Star acquired the services of big man Kyle Pascual and twinner forward Bambam Gamalinda.

Maliksi was the highlight of the trade as the rising star made Blackwater's wing rotation deeper following the trade for Chris Ellis two weeks ago.

[Related Story: Ellis to Blackwater, Dela Cruz to Ginebra in trade]

On the other hand, the arrival of Pascual and Gamalinda will help Star's frontline with Marc Pingris still trying to get his groove back from an injury that sidelined him for most of the season.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno