PBA: Rain or Shine sends Rey Nambatac to Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine agreed to trade Rey Nambatac to Blackwater for two future first round draft picks in a deal approved by the PBA on Wednesday.

The Elasto Painters will receive the Bossing’s picks next season and in the 50th season in order to ship Nambatac, who will be making a move after six seasons in the big league.

Blackwater’s picks came originally from TNT.

But there are speculations that Blackwater won’t be a long-term spot for Nambatac, who’s speculated to be dealt to TNT.

Having Nambatac could bolster the Tropang Giga’s depth at the backcourt spot after the controversy surrounding Mikey Williams’ holdout before the season.

Nambatac was selected first overall by Rain or Shine in 2017 after an NCAA career with Letran, and was one of the key cogs of the franchise during the tenures of Caloy Garcia, Chris Gavina and Yeng Guiao.

He played a major part in Rain or Shine’s last two semifinal appearances that came during the 2019 PBA season in the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup. Last June, Nambatac was given a two-year extension by the Elasto Paintes management.

The recent PBA Commissioner’s Cup, however, has seen Nambatac’s minutes fluctuate, especially with the younger Andrei Caracut emerging as a major contributor at the point guard position.

His girlfriend, Keisha, even addressed the matter during the conference, especially when Rain or Shine opened the Commissioner’s Cup with five straight losses.

Nambatac is the latest acquisition made by the Blackwater after signing James Yap to a deal last week.

Blackwater, however, failed to sign up a new pact for starting playmaker Baser Amer, who has moved to NLEX.