MAVERICK Ahanmisi is more than willing to play for Barangay Ginebra even while waiting for the possible package that will complete his trade request.
A person close to the veteran guard told Spin.ph the 34-year-old Fil-Nigerian is always on call if ever his service is needed.
Ahanmisi was in street clothes and did not see action when the Kings played their first game of Season 50, losing against old rival Magnolia, 80-73, in the opener of the PBA Philippine Cup.
“Gusto niya namang maglaro. Very willing siya,” said the source.
"It’s up to coach Tim (Cone). If he uses him, Mav will play.”
The California-born player came out in the open last week and disclosed in his personal vlog that he requested Ginebra management for a trade, noting he wanted to have more playing time especially now he’s in the stretch of what he termed as the ‘back half of his career.’
Ahanmisi added he already got the nod of Ginebra governor and San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua about the matter.
“As a player, you want the opportunity to play and showcase your talent. It’s kind of a fine line between being patient and waiting your turn,” he said in the vlog.
“But I just turned 34 last month. I am now on like the back half of my career, there’s not much time to waste for me.”
The same source said the trade request has been made even before the start of the season, and there were already two attempts to strike a deal with both Meralco and Converge.
READ: Converge-Ginebra trade for Maverick Ahanmisi hits a snag
But both talks bogged down as the Kings reportedly asked for a straight-up trade between Chris Newsome and Ahamisi, which Meralco balked at.
Converge on the other hand, doesn’t want to give up any of their precious guards in Alec Stockton, Deschon Winston, and no. 2 overall pick Juan Gomez De Liano.
Had the FiberXers agreed to the trade, it would have been a homecoming for Ahanmisi as he played with the franchise before after Converge bought the Alaska team.
It was with the FiberXers that he actually had his best season where he averaged 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on the way to being named the Most Improved Player in Season 47,
An interested party is said to be San Miguel, but a conduit team is needed to get the deal done.
A team up with brother Jerrick Ahanmisi at Terrafirma could also be an option, but the same source said the possibility of it is few and far between.
Ahanmisi arrived at Barangay Ginebra in 2023 after opting to leave Converge as an unrestricted free agent.
He had a good season in his first year with the Kings, but the minutes eventually dipped when last season’s Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos was picked no. 3 by the team in the Season 49 draft.
With Ahanmisi sharing the backcourt with Scottie Thompson and Abarrientos, there was a slight dip in his playing time at 21 minutes per game and averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
But he made clear he loves being with Barangay Ginebra.
“I don’t know how people will take it, but to be honest, I love my teammates. I’m cool with everybody on that team, and I appreciate the fans. I even appreciate the mo----- who don’t f--- with me,” said Ahanmisi.
“At the end of the day, it’s business. And as selfish as it sounds, you’re gonna have to do those things for you and your family, and a lot of people will not like that decision.”
Ahanmisi still has a year left in his contract with Ginebra.
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