RDO to Meralco from TNT in three-team swap with Phoenix

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By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--If the Allein Maliksi trade already sent shockwaves to the PBA fans from the time the initial reports began to surface, TNT provided more stunner right at the trade deadline on Monday.

The KaTropa sent veteran forward Ranidel De Ocampo to the Meralco Bolts in a swap approved by Commissioner Chito Narvasa.

In the process, TNT got Justin Chua from Meralco.

Both the KaTropa and the Bolts, being sister teams under the MVP Group umbrella, had to get some help from the Phoenix Fuel Masters for the trade to push through.

In the process, TNT got Norbert Torres from Phoenix as well as the latter's 2017 first round pick previously owned by San Miguel.

The Fuel Masters, however, still walked away with a first rounder in the Oct. 27 draft as they got the Bolts' selection as well as the KaTropa's 2019 second round pick which was once belonged to the Beermen.

The arrival of RDO to Meralco will provide the club some additional ceiling.

Still, TNT has a new stretch-4 in its arms in Torres even as Chua gets a career restart with the team.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno