The San Miguel Beermen have parted ways with center Kelly Nabong and sent him back to NorthPort Batang Pier in a trade for forward Russel Escoto. The deal was approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office yesterday afternoon.
The trade comes after Nabong was earlier dealt an indefinite suspension by team management following his involvement in a fight during practice with Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid, and Dezmine Wells.
It was previously reported, the Beermen had no plans to lift the suspensions on Nabong and Tubid as their contracts were set to expire; however, Santos’ ban was lifted in time for the start of preparation for the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup.
This is Nabong’s third stint with Batang Pier after previously being traded to the team in 2013 and 2017.
For Escoto, SMB will be the third team he has suited up after starting his PBA career with the Columbian Dyip./ASC, WDJ