Tolentino Seriously Considering KBL Offers Amid NorthPort Silence
Arvin Tolentino’s breakout season in the PBA is now at a crossroads. Despite delivering career-best numbers and helping carry NorthPort Batang Pier through the 2024–25 Commissioner’s Cup, the versatile forward is currently unsigned and seriously weighing overseas offers as his future with the team hangs in limbo.
Tolentino’s contract with NorthPort expired on April 30. Since then, no new deal has been offered. “His contract expired on April 30. Until now, wala pa din offer sakanya,” a source close to Tolentino told me.
“He’s been reaching out to them for contract extension negotiations for weeks now, pero wala pa silang update.” This silence comes after a season where Tolentino established himself as one of the league’s elite.
He was named Best Player of the Conference in the Commissioner’s Cup, averaging 23.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across the tournament. He also became the highest-scoring local player in a single game in over two decades when he dropped 51 points against Converge, a performance that stunned fans and scouts alike.
In the ongoing Philippine Cup, he managed to appear in just two games before his contract expired, still managing a solid 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. But with no clear path forward in negotiations with NorthPort, Tolentino is now seriously exploring international options. He has already received offers from two KBL teams and is drawing interest from several B. League teams in Japan. Two international scouts are reportedly flying in this week to meet with him.
“That’s what he’s leaning towards now,” the source revealed. “He’s still open to stay sa PBA with NorthPort. Pero hanggang ngayon wala pa din negotiations at all.”
Though PBA rules automatically extend a player’s contract through the rest of the conference if it expires mid-season, Tolentino is looking for clarity – and respect. The KBL offers, meanwhile, are attractive.
“Very tempting din yung offers sa KBL. They’re very accommodating to his family. Higher pay and higher competition din.” For the 29-year-old father of two, the decision is no longer just about basketball – it’s about being valued. And unless NorthPort acts fast, one of the league’s brightest local stars may be headed overseas.
