We report the synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a series of mononuclear, metal-radical complexes with first-row transition-metal ions using a new class of radical-based ligands, the polychlorinated triphenylmethyl (PTM) radicals. Crystal structures of three new PTM-based complexes of general formula M(PTMMC)(2)(py)(4-x)(H2O)(x) [PTMMC = PTM radical functionalized at the para position with one carboxylic group; M = Zn(II), x = 2 (1); M = Ni(II), x = 1 (2); M = Co(II), x = 1 (3)] show similar molecular structures in which mononuclear complexes are formed by an octahedral metal ion coordinated by two monodentated PTMMC units. From a magnetic point of view, these similar configurations describe a quasilinear, trimeric magnetic model (PTMMC-M(II)-PTMMC), in which the metal [Ni(II) or Co(II)]-radical magnetic-exchange coupling constants have been determined for the first time. In all of these complexes, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility reveals moderate antiferromagnetic-exchange coupling constants between the PTMMC radicals and Ni(II) (2J/k(B) = -47.1 K) and Co(II) ions (2J/k(B) = -15.2 K) based on the exchange Hamiltonian H = -2JS(M)(S-rad1 + S-rad2).