JORDAN Heading said his goodbyes to Converge after Wednesday’s game against Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup as word leaked that he has been shipped to TNT in a one-on-one trade for Mikey Williams.
Although the trade has yet to be approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office, Converge players and coaches gave their well-wishes to Heading as they headed out of the dugout one by one following their 117-103 win over the Dyip.
READ Converge's Jordan Heading headed to TNT in a trade: source
In an interview with reporters later, Heading said he learned about the trade hours before the game with no less than Converge team owner Dennis Uy personally delivering the news at the telecommunications company’s office.
“Pretty interesting day,” said Heading. “Credit to Converge. I’m grateful for them for everything they’ve done to me. Credit to the bosses. They have been very respectful to me throughout this whole team.
“Boss Dennis Uy invited me into the HQ today and we had a conversation. I know he is a really, really busy guy. I was thankful that he had respect to tell me personally,” said Heading.
Heading admitted it was also a confusing situation for him to come into the game after being traded although he is officially still part of Converge on Wednesday, pending approval from the PBA Commissioner’s Office.
At the same time, he also intended to come to the game as it was a chance to personally say goodbye to his teammates.
“I didn’t really know where to stand. I didn’t know where to sit. At the same time, I still want to see these guys play. I still want to come in here and be in the locker room one last time and tell everyone that I appreciate them and I had a great time here, and I’m thankful for everything that happened here,” said Heading, who hasn’t played a single game in the Philippine Cup due to back spasm.
READ TNT, Converge reach deal for Mikey Williams-Jordan Heading trade
“It was good that they were able to come out with a win so we can all be on at least a little bit more on a happy note,” said Heading.
The impending trade comes six months after Converge acquired the rights of Heading from Terrafirma last November in exchange of Aljun Melecio, Keith Zaldivar, and a Season 51 first round draft pick.
No contact with TNT yet
At the moment, Heading has yet to be informed by TNT on when he will report to practice.
Heading noted the importance of moving on from the trade as he looks forward to playing for his new squad that is gunning for a rare grand slam this conference.
“I think it’s just a lot of shock. I think people weren’t necessarily expecting it. But obviously, when these trades happen, it’s sad a little bit. But I think both teams can get good things out of this.
“I’m sure when they brought the news to the boys that they are trading the guys two conferences ago for me, I’m sure it was a sad locker room. But life goes on. New guys come in and these guys, I’m sure, will connect with Mikey as well. And hopefully, I connect with my teammates as well,” said Heading.
“I made a lot of great relationships here that is going to carry on past my time with Converge. I’m thankful for that,” the former Gilas cadet continued.
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