Published February 23, 2021, 2:47 PM
Photo from PBA Images
Vic Manuel finally got his wish Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 after Alaska traded the muscular forward to Phoenix Super LPG in exchange for three draft picks and guard Brian Heruela.
The PBA approved the deal which put an end to the saga that began when Manuel sought for a trade during negotiations for a contract extension.
Phoenix not only got Manuel, but also Alaska’s seventh and 19th overall picks in next month’s draft.
Alaska received the sixth pick which it got last week from Magnolia as part of the Calvin Abuva trade and 16th overall selection this year and a first round choice next season along with Heruela, who will play for his fifth team since his pro debut in 2014.
“My HOME! My FAMILY for almost 7 years! Thankyou @alaska aces!” Manuel said on his Instagram account. “Wish you a goodluck and all the best! Same GOAL! New JOURNEY!”
The player nicknamed “The Muscleman” blossomed into one of the league’s best big man after joining Alaska in 2014.
During his stint, Manuel made five Finals appearances and was a strong candidate to capture the Best Player of the Conference award in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, only to lose to eventual winner June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer.
Alaska was hoping to sign Manuel to an extension following last season’s Philippine Cup bubble but the two sides couldn’t come to terms, subsequently resulting in the latter’s request for a trade.
Cariaso: Manuel trade gives us better chance at drafting quality big man
9hVishal Dikshit
Alaska Aces coach Jeff Cariaso believes the trade that sent veteran forward Vic Manuel to Phoenix on Tuesday puts the team in a better position to acquire a young and quality big man, whom he hopes could contribute right away in the upcoming 2021 PBA season.
After over a month of back and forth talks with various interested teams, Cariaso felt Phoenix offered them a better deal at the end of the day. It s nice that finally, it s over because now we can focus on moving forward, Cariaso told ESPN5, shortly after the transaction had been approved by the five-man PBA trade committee. I m excited with having an extra first round pick next year, while it s also important that we are able to move up in the draft for the first round (this year).
PBA News: Cariaso on Vic Manuel trade to Phoenix, says Heruela an add-on spin.ph - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from spin.ph Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.