The NLEX Road Warriors have made their first player transaction under new coach Jimmy Alapag. The Road Warriors reached a deal with Phoenix that will send sophomore guard Evan Nelle to NLEX for forward Sidney Onwubere. Trade papers had been sent to the PBA Commissioner's Office on Thursday for approval. ## What happened?
The move came just three days after Alapag was officially introduced as new coach of the Road Warriors. Should the trade be approved, Nelle will be joining his third team in only his second season in the league. ## Why it matters for NLEX Road Warriors?
The 28-year-old guard was the second round pick of Northport in the Season 49 draft, but was soon moved out to Phoenix the moment Titan Ultra officially took over the Northport franchise. ## What comes next?
In the last Commissioner's Cup, he averaged 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Nelle actually ranked second in four-point shooting percentage at 42.11% (8-of-19) and ranked third for the most number of four-point shots made with eight. Onwubere, 32, meanwhile will be joining his seventh PBA team in Phoenix. He was a first round pick at no. 8 overall by TNT in the 2017 draft and later, won two championships during his stop at Barangay Ginebra. | Player | Team | | --- | --- | | Evan Nelle | NLEX Road Warriors | | Sidney Onwubere | Phoenix |
The trade is expected to be a significant move for the Road Warriors as they look to improve their roster under coach Alapag.