MANILA -- NLEX's team management confirmed on Sunday night that a trade between its two first-round picks in the recently concluded Philippine Basketball Association Draft and Blackwater star Poy Erram is in the works.
"The official trade proposal will be submitted [this] morning, pending approval from the PBA," the Road Warriors said in a statement that was posted on their Facebook page.
They, however, clarified two things.
First, they stated that the backbone of the swap has been set up since August.
"As far back as the Asian Games, the Blackwater Elite have been discussing a trade with us involving Poy Erram, a much-needed big man who impressed Coach Yeng [Guiao] during his stint with the national team," the statement further read.
NLEX then added that "(b)oth teams reached an understanding [yesterday] morning that a trade involving Poy for our first round draft picks would be a mutually beneficial move for the teams and the players themselves" while insisting that the team achieved its goal of taking the best talents available in Paul Desiderio, the fourth overall pick, and Abu Tratter, the seventh overall pick.
Second, the team also said that the move was not meant to downplay what Desiderio and Tratter can offer.
"We want you to hear this straight from us: that this move does not reflect on Paul and Abu’s talent or potential. They have exciting careers ahead of them, and we wish them success with the Blackwater Elite," the statement further said.
In fact, the team added that "if the trade is disapproved by the commissioner (Willie Marcial), we would be more than happy to have both Paul and Abu on our team."
Guiao hinted that the team is using both Desiderio and Tratter as "trade baits" to land a quality big man.
"Both ways, we'll be very happy with whatever happens doon sa situation na 'yun," Guiao said. (PNA)
