Magnolia has secured the PBA rights to Arvin Tolentino, but the Hotshots will have to be patient before seeing him in their uniform.
The 30-year-old forward confirmed that he will remain with the Seoul SK Knights for the upcoming 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season as he honors the final year of his contract in South Korea.
“Yes, stay pa ako. Two years pa ako dito,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino’s statement effectively puts to rest speculation that he could make an immediate return to the PBA following Magnolia’s recent acquisition of his playing rights.
The Hotshots obtained Tolentino’s rights along with a Season 51 second-round draft pick in a trade with Titan Ultra. In exchange, Magnolia sent the rights to William Navarro and a Season 52 second-round selection.
Although Magnolia has positioned itself to eventually welcome one of the league’s premier forwards, Tolentino’s focus remains on finishing what he started overseas.
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MAGNOLIA shipped the playing rights of William Navarro to Titan Ultra in exchange for sweet-shooting Arvin Tolentino in a trade that was approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/nmoSi5P0pV
— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) June 17, 2026
His contract with Seoul SK includes a player option for its third and final year, allowing him to either stay with the Knights or enter free agency. Unless circumstances change before the PBA Governors’ Cup opens on July 10, Tolentino is expected to exercise that option and continue playing in the KBL.
The decision comes after a bittersweet first season in Korea. Tolentino averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 rebounds for the Knights, helping the team reach the playoffs before its campaign ended in a quarterfinal sweep at the hands of Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.
The former NorthPort star left the PBA after winning the Best Player of the Conference award in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. He last suited up for the Batang Pier during the 2024-25 season before pursuing an opportunity in the KBL.
Tolentino recently returned to the Philippines for a vacation following the Korean season and was among those in attendance during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT, where he watched alongside his wife, Brandy Kramer Tolentino.
While his PBA comeback will have to wait, Tolentino acknowledged that he has already been informed of Magnolia’s move to acquire his rights.
“Nasabihan din naman nila ako tungkol diyan (trade),” he said.
The trade also saw Titan Ultra acquire the rights to William Navarro, who previously had a brief stint with Magnolia before continuing his career with KBL champion Busan KGC Egis.
Ironically, Navarro originally arrived in Magnolia through a deal with NorthPort involving Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and the same second-round draft pick that has now found its way back to the Hotshots.
For now, Magnolia has secured a valuable piece for the future. But before Tolentino can begin his next chapter in the PBA, he remains committed to completing his final season with the Seoul SK Knights.
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