Major League Pickleball (MLP) contenders New Jersey 5s made the biggest splash on trade deadline day, acquiring stars Federico Staksrud and Milan Rane from the Orlando Squeeze in a blockbuster deal designed to strengthen their championship push.
Key Highlights
- New Jersey 5s acquired Federico Staksrud and Milan Rane from the Orlando Squeeze in exchange for Martin Emmrich and Lina Padegimaite.
- The 5s also included an undisclosed cash payment in the deal, with league rules allowing up to $200,000 per player.
- The blockbuster trade comes as New Jersey battles St. Louis Shock for the top spot ahead of the MLP playoffs.
- General manager Ryan Harwood reaffirmed his confidence in Will Howells and Noe Khlif while explaining the team's decision to make the move.
New Jersey Makes Long-Awaited Deadline Move
In return, the Orlando Squeeze received Martin Emmrich and Lina Padegimaite, along with an undisclosed amount of cash from New Jersey. Under league rules, teams can include up to $200,000 per player, meaning the total cash involved could reach $400,000 because two players were exchanged.
Championship Race Gets Even More Competitive
The blockbuster trade could significantly reshape the race for the MLP championship. New Jersey entered the deadline tied for first in the league standings, but St. Louis Shock gained the upper hand after sweeping the 5s at the Mid-Season Tournament two weeks ago.
That result gave St. Louis a 2-1 edge in head-to-head meetings this season. Many observers viewed the Shock as the postseason favorites based on recent performances, with St. Louis holding the No. 1 spot in the latest MLP Power Rankings before the trade.
The 5s have one regular-season stop remaining at MLP Orlando (July 30-Aug. 2). St. Louis will compete in the opposite pool, setting up the possibility of one final showdown if both teams advance to the event final before the playoffs begin.
Questions Remain Over New Jersey's New Lineup
One of the biggest questions following the trade is how the 5s will organize their doubles pairings. With Federico Staksrud, Noe Khlif, and Will Howells all on the roster, New Jersey now has three elite men's players available for men's doubles and mixed doubles.
General manager Ryan Harwood declined to reveal the team's future lineup plans but explained why the organization felt compelled to make the move. "We never felt we HAD to make a move as we've shown we are capable of beating anyone when playing well. However, if you have a chance to acquire players like Fed and Milly, you must take it seriously," Harwood said.
He also emphasized the organization's commitment to retaining both Will Howells and Noe Khlif, believing they remain key pieces in the team's pursuit of a championship.
Harwood Backs Howells and Khlif Amid Criticism
Throughout the season, Noe Khlif has partnered with Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles, compiling an impressive 23-3 record, while Will Howells and Jorja Johnson have gone 15-6 together. However, Khlif and Howells have posted a 14-12 record in men's doubles, drawing criticism from fans and analysts during the season.
Harwood made it clear that he continues to have full confidence in both players. "My message to Will and Noe this whole season has been to control the controllables. Focus on your effort, attitude and yourselves and the rest will take care of itself. You're inevitably going to take heat when you're on a top team. … These guys take it head on and welcome the pressure."
With Staksrud and Rane now in the lineup, New Jersey has added even more firepower as it prepares for one final regular-season event before turning its attention to the MLP playoffs.
