THE Titan Ultra Giant Risers are officially pulling their prized wingman off the trading block.
As the number rival teams interested in a tradecontinues to rise, the franchise in an apparent change of heart is now finalizing the paperwork to renew the contract of top gun Joshua Munzon.
A reliable source told SPIN.ph that the current face of the franchise is set to receive a lucrative deal that will be very close to the package his camp sought when negotiations for a contract extension started in June.
READ Titan Ultra insider on Munzon deal: 'We're still taking to TNT'
Once the contract extension is signed within the next few days, the Giant Risers will formally put an end to all the swirling trade rumors surrounding their explosive scorer.
The 31-year-old, Long Beach, California-raised dribbler has been a foundational piece since Titan Ultra acquired the NorthPort franchise, submitting stellar averages of 15.0 points, 4.75 rebounds, and 3.75 assists per game.
It can be recalled that the former national 3x3 stalwart was targeted by several league heavyweights over the past few months.
TNT Tropang 5G reportedly salivated over the prospect of acquiring Munzon and came incredibly close to securing his services until a trade involving a future first-round pick and rookie big man Joe Celzo was aborted at the last minute.
Aside from the telco franchise, sources bared Barangay Ginebra, the Converge FiberXers, and the Blackwater Bossing also made inquiries about his availability.
Off the market
That is apparently in the past now.
"The contract is now ready, Joshua can sign it soon," shared the insider, who requested anonymity.
With their primary cornerstone finally secured, the Giant Risers are now shifting their organizational focus entirely toward an aggressive offseason roster build-up.
This massive recalibration begins at the upcoming PBA Draft, where Titan Ultra is projected to select in the coveted Top 3 spots.
"We will get the best player possible for our first-round pick, then we will take it from there," the source added.
To complement this aggressive rebuild, the insider stressed that complacency will not be tolerated in the current lineup, declaring that every single roster slot is currently up for grabs.
"So, we challenge our players to fight for their spots," a team insider bared. "Matira matibay, because we will be fighting team next season. We're sure of that."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
