CALVIN Abueva has been traded by Alaska to Phoenix for a 2019 first-round draft pick and Karl Dehesa.
The 30-year-old forward, suspended indefinitely earlier this season by the Aces after going AWOL, was finally moved after six years with the team that drafted him second overall behind June Mar Fajardo in the 2012 PBA rookie draft.
The former NCAA MVP out of San Sebastian was not activated even after the Aces made it to the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
The trade papers were on its way to the PBA Commissioner's Office on Tuesday.
"We would like to thank Calvin for his six years of service with Alaska and the good memories. We felt as a franchise it was best for both Alaska and Calvin to have a fresh start at this time," said Alaska in a statement.
The Angeles City native rose to prominence at Alaska, winning a championship in 2013 as well as a Best Player of the Conference award in 2016 and two Mythical First Team selections. He was also an All-Star in six seasons with the team.
However, sources said the relationship was strained the last few years by habitual absences by the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay and at least two instances where he went AWOL, supposedly because of 'family problems.'
The last one, in June, prompted Alaska to hand him an indefinite ban, although the Uytengsu-owned franchise was understanding enough not to deprive the 'Beast' his salary and other benefits.
The trade, at least, gives Abueva a fresh start at Phoenix, where he will be playing under Louie Alas - the coach of the Letran teams that battled Abueva-led San Sebastian squads in the NCAA.
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