Jerrick Balanza-Allyn Bulanadi trade finally happening as Converge, NorthPort finally agree on straight-up swap

After months of speculations, Jerrick Balanza is finally heading to Converge. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Jerrick Balanza is back under Coach Aldin Ayo's fold after Converge and NorthPort finally agreed to have Balanza and Allyn Bulanadi switch kits.

The PBA announced on Wednesday that it has approved a one-on-one trade sending Balanza to the FiberXers and Bulanadi to the Batang Pier.

The Balanza-Bulanadi swap has been on the rumor radar since September with Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill reportedly in the mix too.

Both clubs, however, denied that the trade is on, and Balanza even became a key player for NorthPort in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

But hours before the first PBA game for 2023, Game 3 of the Commissioner's Cup Finals between Ginebra and Bay Area, the league approved the straight-up Balanza-Bulanadi swap.

Balanza was part of Ayo's Letran team that won the 2015 NCAA title, and Balanza's familiarity with the "mayhem" system will be vital as the FiberXers look to finish some unfinished business in the Governors' Cup later this month.

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