THE PBA Commissioner's Office has made the assurance that no more trades involving Terrafirma will be allowed now that it has informed the league of its intention to sell its franchise to Starhorse Shipping Lines.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that Terrafirma has formally informed the pro league of an ongoing transaction to sell its franchise lock, stock, and barrel to a consortium that also runs the Basilan team in the MPBL.
READ Starhorse Basilan owner holding on to Terrafirma 'no more trades' promise
That, Marcial said, automatically triggered a trade moratorium for the 11-year old PBA franchise, which has shed prized players in a flurry of trades over the years but remain loaded with enough assets to build a new team from.
"Automatic na 'yon," said Marcial. "Once nag-declare ang team na may bibili or ibebenta na, wala na papayagan na trades."
Trade moratorium for Terrafirma
Starhorse, which has already filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to buy the Dyip franchise, had issued an appeal through Basilan team owner Jackson Chua that the remaining assets of the ballclub be left untouched until the sale is consummated.
The trade freeze guarantees Starhorse management of core players like Mark Nonoy, Louie Sangalang, and Kemark Carino to build a new lineup from by the time the takeover takes place at the end of the season.
More importantly, league sources confirmed that all of Terrafirma's first-round picks are intact and untouched, meaning the rebuilding can start from the next draft where the Dyip are expected to get the No. 1 selection overall.
Based on draft projections, the next draft class could potentially yield a bumper crop of talented players like former UP Maroons star Quentin Millora-Brown, former KBL import Rhenz Abando, Mike Phillips of La Salle, and Mapua Cardinals standout Clint Escamis.
READ Starhorse quiz on Terrafirma sale: Who to keep, who to trade
League sources bared the Dyip's first- and second-round draft rights are intact from Season 52 on.
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