Door open for Encho Serrano's PBA return: Converge the likely destination

According to sources from SPIN.ph, the door is open for Encho Serrano to return to the PBA. The player drafted 19th overall by Phoenix in 2026 currently plays for Abra in the MPBL on a salary of 380,000 pesos per month – more than five times his rookie salary of 70,000 pesos. Serrano left Phoenix in 2026 due to a contract dispute, but Phoenix still holds his PBA rights, meaning any team wanting him must negotiate with Phoenix. Converge, under head coach Delta Pineda, emerges as the leading destination. Pineda previously coached Serrano at Pampanga and is called 'tatay' (father) by the player. Serrano was seen behind Converge's bench during a July game, and sources say he has discussed a reunion with Pineda. A proposed trade has been floated: Converge sends Alec Stockton plus another player or future pick for Serrano's rights from Phoenix. Data analysis shows Serrano has maintained strong form. In the current MPBL season, he averages 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists in just 14.2 minutes per game. Per-36 minutes, that projects to 21.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists – well above his rookie PBA average of 10.3 points per game. This suggests his talent has not diminished, but is merely limited by reduced playing time at Abra. However, the financial hurdle is significant. The 380,000 peso/month salary at Abra sets a floor for any PBA team attempting to sign Serrano. If Converge cannot match it, the deal may collapse. Additionally, Serrano has expressed a desire to stay with Abra for the East Asia Super League, adding a timing complication. Tactically, Pineda knows exactly how to utilize Serrano as a slashing scorer and transition threat. His addition would bolster Converge's wing offense, but the fit with Alec Stockton – who is reportedly the outgoing piece – needs evaluation. If Stockton is the primary creator, losing him would alter Converge's backcourt hierarchy. Sources close to Phoenix's Glenn Escandor have indicated that 'everything might change if Serrano reopens negotiations'. However, the likelihood of a Phoenix return is low. This trade, if completed, would be a strategic move by Converge to leverage a coach-player relationship to strengthen the roster, while Phoenix monetizes a dormant asset.