PHOTO: PBA Images
EVEN if he was not added to the mix that completed Vic Manuel’s trade from Alaska to Phoenix, chances are Brian Heruela wouldn’t be signed to a new contract by the Fuel Masters.
Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia said the arrival of Chris Banchero and later, Manuel made the 31-year-old Heruela expendable.
“Most likely, hindi rin namin siya mare-renew,” said Bugia.
And so it was a good thing, the PBA trade committee decided to add Heruela to the mix in order for the trade to be approved.
As a result, the Fuel Masters got Manuel, the No. 7 pick (in the first round) and No. 19 pick in the second round of the March 14 draft, while the Aces received the No. 6 selection and No. 16, Phoenix’s 2021 first-round pick, and Heruela.