After five days, the PBA finally approved what is essentially a true ace-for-ace deal: the TNT Tropang Giga sending the rights of Mikey Williams to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for Jordan Heading.
Mikey Williams, of course, needs no introduction. But we’ll give one anyway. He’s the 2020 Rookie of the Year, a two-time champion, and a two-time Finals MVP. He’s also a Mythical Team selection twice over—once for the First Team and another for the Second Team—and is generally regarded by many as one of the best ever guards in the PBA in recent history.
Jordan Heading, meanwhile, is a sweet-shooting lefty with vast international experience and a couple of stints with Gilas Pilipinas. The no. 1 overall pick of the 2020 PBA Special Draft, Heading finally made his local hoops debut in Season 49, suiting up for the Converge FiberXers and establishing himself not only as one of the league’s best shooters, but also as one of its finest players.
TNT Supercharges Grand Slam Bid with Jordan Heading Trade
TNT needed another star for their Grand Slam bid, and Jordan Heading fits the bill. He’s a terrific playmaker whom Chot Reyes could seamlessly integrate to the dribble drive offense, switching between lead ballhandler and shooter whatever the situation calls for.
What’s more, Heading has already proven his readiness for the PBA, posting 17.7 points and 5.9 assists for Converge in the Governors’ Cup, where the FiberXers could’ve advanced at least to the semis had Heading not suffered a back injury. He’s struggled with it ever since and is reportedly still dealing with it at the moment. But when he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the league and is exactly the kind of player that can spell the difference between a Grand Slam and a failed shot at the treble.
Converge Goes into ‘Win-Now’ Mode with Mikey Williams Acquisition
Sure, Mikey Williams is already 33—four years older than Heading—but his pedigree is unquestioned. In fact, he was arguably the best player in the PBA not named June Mar Fajardo in the two seasons he played. He’s also the type of player who can lead a team to the promised land.
There’s no reason he can’t do the same for Converge, a talented up-and-coming team with the tools to compete for the championship. It’s got bigs in Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, a superb wing in Schonny Winston, a two-way star in Alec Stockton, and some perfect complementary pieces like Bryan Santos and Kevin Racal. Mikey Williams might be the leader and elite playmaker these young FiberXers need to take that next big step towards a title.
Grading the Trade
As mentioned, this Jordan Heading for Mikey Williams trade is that rare ace-for-ace swap, so much so that both teams get an A+. That grade, though, is contingent on several factors.
On the Converge side of things, the FiberXers will first need to actually get Williams back to the Philippines and ready to play. It’s certainly possible, but it’s just as likely that he’ll again play hardball and be difficult to deal with. In such case, Converge would have essentially given a premier talent for nothing. Should Williams return, the question is will he be at MVP form right away to help the FiberXers in the Philippine Cup? If his Dubai stint is any indication, the answer might be no, which means the Purple Squad could be looking at Season 50 and beyond.
For TNT, the burning question would be Heading’s health. Is his back okay? The hope, of course, is that he’s fit enough to help the Tropa’s Grand Slam bid now—before helping the franchise potentially go on another dynastic run, just as it did in the early 2010s. The thing with back injuries, though, is that they can be tricky, with a high chance of being recurring. But if Heading is back in tip-top shape, the league better watch out.
The PBA Philippine Cup is shaping up to be an interesting and exciting tournament thus far. Potentially seeing Mikey Williams back in action and Jordan Heading helping TNT’s Grand Slam drive will only make the conference even more compelling no doubt.
