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Globalport, coming off a disappointing stint in the last two PBA conferences, shipped the veteran Jay Washington to Rain or Shine for JR Quiñahan in a direct swap Thursday even as Elasto Painters’ management dangled a three-year, maximum money extension on superstar point guard Paul Lee.
The trade was consummated Thursday as Rain or Shine broke up its famous “Extra Rice” tandem of Quinahan and another burly big man, Beau Belga, which helped the franchise win its first two pro league championships.
Washington’s arrival at Rain or Shine marks a reunion of sorts for player and team, with Washington being the star of the last Welcoat Paints to win a title in the defunct PBL more than a decade ago.
Lee, meanwhile, will decide on or before Oct. 20 on whether he will sign the new pact since his agent, Lawrence Chongson, is still in the United States and won’t arrive until then.
Rain or Shine had also lost coach Yeng Guiao to NLEX last week, sparking speculations that some of the stars who played for the man who molded the Elasto Painters into one of the most potent forces in the league will be following suit.