NEW Commissioner Chito Narvasa asked the 12 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams not to trade picks on draft day last Sunday. The clubs heeded.
But it was trades galore two days after the draft and as expected, former National University star Troy Rosario is now with Talk ‘N Text.
Narvasa approved on Tuesday the transfer of No. 2 pick Rosario from Mahindra (formerly Kia) in a three-team, five-player deal that saw the ex-Bulldog joining top pick Moala Tautuaa at the Tropang Texters camp.
But to get Rosario, Talk ‘N Text had to give up Kevin Alas and back-up center Rob Reyes to the Mahindra Enforcers. And Alas didn’t stay long at Mahindra and was shipped to NLEX, which released Nino Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos.
The deal has been forged by both teams before the Rookie Draft last Sunday.
The Road Warriors now have a formidable backcourt in Alas and Garvo Laneta, whom they selected No. 6 overall in the draft. Mahindra also beefed up its frontline with 6-foot-6 Reyes and Canaleta and 6-foot-7 Ramos.
But there are reports that Canaleta will be dealt to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for a still unidentified player.
In another trade, Barako Bull acquired guards Josh Urbiztondo, Emman Monfort and Kens Knuttel from Ginebra and gave up promising small forward Nico Salva and its precious 2016 first round pick.
Barako Bull also dealt Brian Heruela to San Miguel Beer for Jeric Fortuna. Heruela came to the Energy in a trade with Blackwater’s Carlo Lastimosa during the off season.
Also on Monday Talk ‘N Text offered Tautuaa the three-year maximum deal for rookies worth P8.55 million. The Filipino-Tongan is expected to sign the deal before he leaves for Taiwan to join Gilas Pilipinas in the William R. Jones Cup.
Tautuaa will receive P150,000 a month on his first year, P225,000 on his second year and P337,500 on his final year of the deal.
No. 3 overall pick Maverick Ahanmisi was also offered a three-year P8.1 million deal by Rain or Shine worth.