SAN Miguel made it known it hasn't let go of first-round pick Avan Nava and disclosed it has a pending offer that has yet to be signed by the Fil-Canadian rookie.
SMB team manager Gee Abanilla said the 24-year-old Nava isn't a free agent yet since the Beermen submitted a tender offer to the Commissioner's Office to keep their rights on the player they drafted at No. 12 overall.
Abanilla said it was the camp of Nava declined what initially was a two-year offer from the Beermen.
"Negotiations dragged because of their non-conformity with our offer," said Abanilla.
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Avan had practiced with the Beermen the past two weeks, but asked permission if he could seek out a roster spot with other teams.
Since Monday, Nava has been practicing with TNT.
San Miguel management further disclosed it is still willing to give Nava the chance despite the rookie falling short of expectations.
"Still they won't agree on our offer and we would have signed him anyway," said Abanilla.
Unrestricted free agent Kris Rosales (with rights to salary) has since been signed by San Miguel, although Abanilla said the door remains open to Avan.
But now with the new PBA season almost less than two weeks away, San Miguel has given the Nava camp an ultimatum on a new offer of a season-long contract.
"It's now a one-year offer. But we'll make room for him if he decides to sign," said Abanilla.
At the same time, the San Miguel official said the team is keeping its rights on the player even if he doesn't sign the offer.
"An ultimatum was given to Avan and now the ball is in their hands," Abanilla said.
"We are playing according to PBA rules. We submitted our offer to the PBA even if he didn't sign. It's just to comply with what was required," he said.
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