Greg Slaughter’s PBA Return? Pureblends Leads the Chase, But Another Team Lurks

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by Lou Reyes

Former PBA star Greg Slaughter.
Former PBA star Greg Slaughter. Photo: Facebook.

Greg Slaughter’s long-awaited PBA comeback suddenly looks more real than ever. 

Barely a day after the 7-foot giant announced his intent to return, word quickly spread that expansion team Pureblends has already opened talks with the former Rookie of the Year, and an official offer could be on the table within the week.

The timing is no coincidence. Pureblends is set to take over the NorthPort franchise, which still owns Slaughter’s signing rights, pending PBA board approval this weekend. If all goes smoothly, the league’s newest ballclub might make a splash by securing the services of a four-time champion who still commands attention whenever he laces up.

“Greg still has the tools to be a force in the PBA and help a young franchise compete right away,” a source familiar with the negotiations said.

But Pureblends isn’t alone in the chase. At least one other team has quietly expressed interest, with an official admitting that a cap-friendly offer for Slaughter “is on the table.” Clearly, the demand for a 7-footer who knows how to win hasn’t faded one bit.

Greg Slaughter (left) goes up against San Miguel Beer's Mo Tautuaa.
Greg Slaughter (left) goes up against San Miguel Beer's Mo Tautuaa. Photo: PBA Images.

It’s worth noting that Slaughter nearly took his talents abroad once more, after the Taipei Fubon Braves came calling to fill their Asian import slot for the EASL. The potential team-up with former SMB reinforcement Bennie Boatwright would have been both lucrative and formidable. Still, Slaughter, now a proud father of three, seems ready to keep his career grounded at home.

For Pureblends, the pursuit makes perfect sense. A proven centerpiece who can bang bodies with June Mar Fajardo while giving the franchise a marquee name? That’s both a basketball and marketing win. In fact, Slaughter could be a game-changer in the upcoming Philippine Cup and provide extra firepower once the import-flavored conferences roll around.

At 37, Slaughter is no stranger to doubters. But like Rafi Reavis, who’s stretched his career into his late 40s, the “Gregzilla” blueprint for longevity is simple: discipline, conditioning, and a body treated like a temple. By all accounts, he’s healthier than ever, mixing weight training, cardio, and even oxygen chamber sessions to keep his towering frame game-ready.

So here’s the real question, hoops fans: Is the PBA ready for the second coming of Greg Slaughter? Because all signs point to a giant reawakening.