The PBA on Thursday morning approved the proposed trade featuring
seven players and two draft picks among Air 21, Ginebra, and Petron.
In the deal, the Express will receive Petron big men Noy Baclao and
Rob Reyes and Ginebra wingmen KG Canaleta and John Wilson; Petron will
receive center Magi Sison, guard Paolo Hubalde, and a 2014 second round
pick from Air 21; and Ginebra will receive Elmer Espiritu and Air 21′s
first round pick in 2013.
Air 21 coach Franz Pumaren earlier told that the team
intended to build up its big man rotation, and this trade accomplishes
exactly that. “At least we got our wish to beef up our frontline,” he
said.
On Twitter, San Miguel Corporation executive Noli Eala explained the
logic for the conglomerates’ two teams involved in the transaction. “Trades by (Petron Blaze Boosters) / Ginebra San Miguel with Air 21
today were done for reasons of salary cap, spreading minutes, future
buildup, player growth. Thinking ahead,” wrote Eala.
With the deal, Petron is able to carve out a rotation spot for June
Mar Fajardo, the 6-foot-10 former University of Cebu slotman selected
first overall in last Sunday’s draft, who will no longer have to contend
with Baclao and Reyes for minutes at the crowded center position for
the Boosters. Dorian Pena and Danny Ildefonso also play center for the
team.
Ginebra, meanwhile, is building for the future with the trade,
tabbing a first round pick that figures to be among the top selections
next year.
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