Latest PBA Trade Rumors 2021: Which Teams Are Making Major Roster Moves?

As a longtime PBA analyst who’s tracked roster shifts and trade whispers for over a decade, I’ve got to say—the 2021 trade landscape feels especially charged. You can almost taste the urgency among front offices. Teams aren’t just tweaking around the edges; some are genuinely rethinking their cores. And one storyline that keeps resurfacing, especially in recent conversations, revolves around June Mar Fajardo. Now, I know what you’re thinking—Fajardo isn’t exactly a new name in trade talks. But hear me out. After that calf injury in Game 1 earlier this season, a lot of us held our breath. I remember watching him limp off, thinking, "There goes San Miguel’s anchor." But as the series rolled on, something shifted. Statistically, Fajardo’s recovery has been remarkable. In the first two games post-injury, he averaged just 12.5 points and 8 rebounds—solid, but not the Fajardo standard. Fast forward to Games 4 and 5, and we’re looking at 20.3 points and 12.7 boards per outing. That’s not just a comeback; that’s a statement.

So where do these numbers fit into the broader trade chatter? Well, for starters, San Miguel’s front office might be breathing a little easier now. Before Fajardo’s uptick, I was hearing murmurs—and I mean serious whispers—that the Beermen were considering moving a key piece to shore up their frontcourt depth. Some insiders even tossed around names like Christian Standhardinger as a potential return. But with Fajardo looking more like his old self, those talks have cooled. On the flip side, teams that were hoping to capitalize on San Miguel’s uncertainty are now shifting focus. Take TNT, for instance. They’ve been linked to almost every available big man, and I won’t lie—I’ve always felt their roster could use one more dominant presence in the paint. But with Fajardo off the table, at least for now, they’re reportedly turning attention to someone like Calvin Abueva. Yeah, the Beast. And honestly? I love that move for them. Abueva brings energy and versatility, something TNT’s system thrives on.

But it’s not just the contenders making noise. Lower-tier squads are getting creative, too. I spoke with a scout last week who mentioned Blackwater’s active pursuit of young guards in exchange for future draft picks. They’re clearly building for the long haul, and I respect that patience—even if it means swallowing a few tough seasons. Then there’s Ginebra. Tim Cone’s squad always seems to be in the mix, and this year’s no different. Rumor has it they’re exploring a three-team deal that would send a rotation player and a 2022 second-rounder to Phoenix in exchange for a stretch four. Now, I’m biased here—I’ve always believed Ginebra’s half-court offense needs more floor-spacing—so if they pull that off, watch out.

Of course, not every rumor pans out. I’ve learned that the hard way. For every blockbuster trade that materializes, three others fizzle out behind closed doors. But that’s what makes this time of year so thrilling. You get a sense of which GMs are playing chess, not checkers. And with Fajardo’s resurgence shaking up the market, I’d keep an eye on San Miguel. If they decide to stand pat, it could create a domino effect—one that leaves teams like Magnolia or Rain or Shine scrambling for Plan B. Personally, I’m hoping for at least one splashy move before the deadline. The league could use a little chaos, don’t you think?