KERBY Raymundo leaving B-Meg and reinforcing an ageing sister-team in Ginebra is almost as good as done.

Raymundo was advised by Ginebra management yesterday to start working out with the team, an indication that everything will fall into place in the planned deal that involves three teams and five players.

The former Letran Knight and feared low-post player will end up with Ginebra along with Barako Bull’s Dylan Ababou. B-Meg, on the other hand, will acquire JC Intal of Ginebra and a future pick, with the Energy ending up with Ronald Tubid and the sparingly-used Reil Cervantes from the Kings.

The PBA has not yet received a formal letter of the pact that requires approval from Commissioner Chito Salud, but media bureau chief Willie Marcial said that they are expecting the letter later in the day.

The transfer of Raymundo to Ginebra has long been the subject of talks, but it is only now that such a solid pact has been put together perhaps to avoid being turned down by Salud for the sole reason of one-sidedness.

If Salud approves the deal, the Kings will drift far from its ‘old’ image, infusing youth. Ginebra has already acquired the servives of Rico Maierhofer and Allein Maliksi last season, and the addition of Ababou will add depth and swiftness to the franchise.

Raymundo, on the other hand, will inject strength inside, making the Kings a potent ball club in and out.

Ginebra, which will re-hire the services of Rudy Hatfield in the Commissioner’s Cup and will have import Chris Alexander, failed to qualify past the quarter-final round of the Philippine Cup. The Kings were swept by Rain or Shine, 2-0.

B-Meg, on the other hand, will lose a big man but will strengthen its wing line-up with the acquisition of Intal.

With the deal, Barako Bull has lost its top picks in the Draft in Ababou and Maliksi. The Energy are now left with Willie Miller, Danny Seigle and Dorian Pena. Barako Bull also sent ace guard Paul Artadi to Meralco for Chico Lanete earlier this week.