Trade Analysis: Star-Rain or Shine

The biggest deal of the PBA is just rumored to be consummated, James Yap for Paul Lee.

The deal is not yet official but we all expect it to be in the next few hours. 

RAIN OR SHINE
Received: James Yap
Sent: Paul Lee


To properly grade this, we all need to understand that Paul Lee rejected the three-years maximum contract offer of the Elasto Painters and without a Coach Yeng to convince him, Rain or Shine is left with no option but to trade him.

Now, is James Yap the right return for him? Of course no! James is already 34 years old and this season, he only managed 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 36.3% FG. Now, compare that to the numbers of Paul Lee, converted to the 26.8 minutes playing time of James, 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 41.8% FG. 

Now, we also need to consider that Rain or Shine is not in their best financial situation. James Yap will surely be a big boost to their image and marketing but to juice it out, they need to win with James Yap playing a part of it. That will not be easy. 

Grade: D


STAR
Received: Paul Lee
Sent: James Yap


An era has just ended. Basketball wise, this is an excellent decision by the Star management. James Yap is not the Man of a Million Moves already, he was more of a Man with a Million Misses. I think the management saw how the old Kobe Bryant wasted three years of Los Angeles Lakers and they do not want that to happen to the Star. 

But, don't expect Paul Lee to be the best fit. Mark Barroca, PJ Simon and RR Garcia all need the ball to be effective and Paul also need it. For him to fit better, Lee should learn to play more off-the-ball and improve his shooting from the outside. 

Grade: A


Will update it if necessary