Magnolia Hotshots trade for Javi Gomez de Liano

The Magnolia Hotshots have acquired Javi Gomez de Liano from the Terrafirma Dyip in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and a second-round draft pick.

Gomez de Liano averaged 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals during his last PBA campaign in the 2024 Philippine Cup with Terrafirma.

He previously played for Anyang in the Korean Basketball League and before that, the Ibaraki Robots in the Japan B. League.

The trade is the first move made by Terrafirma since it opted to continue its participation in the league, following failed negotiations to sell its franchise.

Gomez de Liano's arrival came on the heels of the Hotshots letting William Navarro go to the Korean Basketball League.

The PBA will allow Gomez de Liano to play despite a reported one-year suspension from the KBL for joining the Jones Cup with Strong Group Athletics, which was considered a breach of contract.

Ahanmisi ends his four-year run with Magnolia after helping the Hotshots reach the finals twice and is expected to receive more playing time with Terrafirma.