CHICAGO - After a hectic 24 hours when the league was jolted by a blockbuster event, the pace has dramatically slowed down following news of a trade that will send Converge guard Jordan Heading to TNT for the PBA signing rights of Mikey Williams.
It's like the stillness and serenity after a storm. And once the involved parties were able to process the impending change, another day in the PBA calendar flipped.
READ Can Jordan Heading return in time to boost TNT's grand slam bid?
Heading has yet to meet his new peers and bosses, a summit that is contingent on when the trade is officially approved by the league. While waiting, the No. 1 pick in the special round of the 2020 PBA Draft took time to reflect on his whirlwind Wednesday.
"I understand that they gotta do what they gotta do. I'm grateful for the time at Converge and the relationships made, but I'm also excited for what's ahead at TNT. Hopefully, I can help them out in whatever role they need me to do to win championships."
COME FLY WITH ME.
Of course, the 29-year-old Fil-Australian was being modest. Not only can he help, but he sure can damn carry the Tropang 5G.
In 15 games with the FiberXers, the 6-foot-2, 190-lb court general averaged 17.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists while shooting 38.6 percent from 3. His wealth of experience from playing professionally in Taiwan, Japan, and New Zealand brings a much-needed stability to the point guard slot in the absence of Jayson Castro.
Right now, though, pesky back spasms and the league's green light stand in the way of Heading's assumption as the captain of TNT's grand slam-seeking ship.
Meanwhile, out in Los Angeles, Mikey went about his Wednesday like it was just another day after getting wind of his potential change of scenery.
"He went to the gym and worked out," a source told me via text message.
Amid speculations surrounding the star sniper's fitness and readiness, his camp reiterated that the 2021 PBA Rookie of the Year "is good to go" and is eager to come back to the Philippines once a deal is reached.
HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
There's no contact yet between Mikey and Converge, but that would change once the trade is approved.
Unlike Jordan's case where TNT would just assume the remainder of Heading's two-year contract that was signed last October, Mikey's situation is far more complex, one where he and Converge will start from scratch in trying to come up with a fresh deal.
With Mikey about to turn 34 and having been away from top-level basketball for 25 months, the length of the contract and the amount in the package will be key sticking points in the negotiations.
Given how rich his contract was at TNT, a reported $26,000 a month with all the winsome perks, losing that kind of dough isn't exactly a Hollywood ending.
But Converge offers a second chance. Here's hoping Mikey can script a new beginning devoid of any bitterness and drama.
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