Magnolia acquires Laput from Terrafirma for Melton, Pascual

The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok made some moves ahead of the upcoming PBA Governors' Cup.

The Philippine Basketball Association on Thursday announced the approval of Magnolia's acquisition of James Laput from Terrafirma Dyip in exchange for Justin Melton and Kyle Pascual.

The 6-foot-10 Laput, who was drafted eighth in the first round of the 2021 PBA Draft, logged 2.60 points and 2.60 rebounds per game in the recent Philippine Cup.

Melton, who was with Magnolia since he was drafted in 2013, had four championships with the team. He played only four games in the Philippine Cup after recovering from an injury which he had before the start of the season.

Pascual, who has been with Magnolia since 2017, also played for Blackwater Dyip and the Kia franchise that drafted him in 2014. He had 1.83 points and 1.33 rebounds per game in six games in the Philippine Cup elimination.

Terrafirma's deal with Magnolia came just weeks after it acquired Alex Cabagnot from the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for Simon Enciso.