PLAYER movements began to shake the PBA four days before the rookie draft.
NLEX and Phoenix worked a trade that sent the Fuel Masters' No. 4 pick in this year's draft to the Road Warriors for Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo.
Trade papers have been sent to the Commissioner's Office for approval.
Also part of the deal is the Fuel Masters 2019 second round pick.
The trade could have an effect on the choice for the no. 4 pick in the draft, which the Fuel Masters originally plan to use for big man Abu Tratter.
The 6-foot-6 product of De La Salle University remains under the radar of NLEX, although the team is still considering other talent in the draft pool, among them is Javee Mocon of San Beda, who was adjudged Finals MVP when the Red Lions won their third straight NCAA title last October.
Alas said he coveted Mallari's services since the big, 6-foot-4 guard is one of the league's best perimeter defender.
"Magaling na defender and has a very long wing span," said the Phoenix coach of Mallari.
Both Mallari and Marcelo are expected to show up in their first practice with the Fuel Masters' practice on Friday.
"Si Dave medyo overweight pa, but I expect him to lose the excess pounds once nag start na silang mag-practice ni Alex sa amin," Alas added.
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