SYDNEY - The wheeling and dealing on the sidelines of the PBA board meeting started on Wednesday when Petron sent veteran guard Dennis Miranda to Globalport for fellow playmaker Chris Ross.
The trade has long been expected after Globalport acquired Ross in the four-player deal that saw Gary David go to Meralco. [For full story, see David sent by Globalport to Meralco for Ross in four-player deal]
Petron, sources said, only waited for the Governors' Cup title series to end before completing the deal for Ross, who in fact didn't even spend a single day of practice with Globalport after the David deal.
Globalport board representative Erick Arejola said the deal, sealed with Petron governor Ely Capacio, had the blessings of team owner Mikee Romero.
“Right now, we’re still in the process of strengthening our lineup. We’re talking and discussing with the coaching staff and Boss Mikee on how to improve it,” added the Air Asia executive.
However, it is not certain that Globalport is the final destination of Miranda since sources have told Spin.ph that a long-reported deal with Barako Bull is also set to be completed soon.
They Said It!
“We’re still in the process of strengthening our lineup. We’re talking and discussing with the coaching staff and Boss Mikee (Romero) on how to improve it." - Globalport governor Erick Arejola
The deal will have the wide-bodied Miranda being traded by Globalport to Barako Bull for the sixth pick overall in Sunday's rookie draft - with University of Santo Tomas star Jeric Teng the team's ultimate target.
[For full story, see Teng the top target as Globalport set to send Ross to Barako for draft pick]
Commissioner Chito Salud approved the deal on the sidelines of the league's planning session here, saying: "It is balanced, so good luck to both Petron and Globalport.”
However, he refused to comment on the projected second step of the transaction.
“If ever there are, I will evaluate them on their face value and see whether they are not lopsided. If the trade is lopsided, I will veto,” stressed Salud.
“If they are even and beneficial to the league and the team’s involved, approved. As in this case.”
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