In a trade approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Thursday, Meralco sent explosive guard Sol Mercado — along with Yousef Aljamal, rookies Kelly Nabong and JP Belencion — to Globalport.
The Bolts, meanwhile, obtained high-flying forward Rey Guevarra, Josh Vanlandinghan, rookie Vic Manuel and a 2015 first round pick from the Batang Pier.
“These news trades are healthy for the players and the teams involved,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud about the trades. “Not to mention the league, as the competitive balance among the member-teams is decidedly enhanced.”
Raring to turn its fortunes around after a subpar showing in the PBA Philippine Cup on its maiden season in the league, Globalport also got another solid acquisition this off season.
The Batang Pier also acquired Japeth Aguilar, who has voiced out about wanting to be traded recently, from Talk N’ Text — in exchange for former rookie-of-the-year Rabeh Al-Hussaini.
Mercado and Aguilar team up with scoring champion Gary David, and guard Willie Miller as the import-laden PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens next week.
“All of the players and teams in this latest set of trades will enjoy equal and optimum benefits,” Salud also said after approving the trade.