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.
Published February 24, 2021, 4:06 PM
Photo from PBA Images
Phoenix Super LPG is suddenly looking like a team that was able to gain most out of its decision to part ways with Calvin Abueva following a stretch that ended with the acquisition of Vic Manuel.
The Fuel Masters were busy burning the lines the past week, first by sending Calvin Abueva to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in exchange for Chris Banchero and the sixth and 18th overall picks in next month’s draft.
But Phoenix was able to use the sixth pick plus the 16th overall and a first round choice next season, plus guard Brian Heruela as part of a package in order for them to acquire Manuel and the 7th and 19th selections from Alaska.
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