PBA: SMB-Kia trade will need ‘major’ revisions
Kia Picanto owns the rights to the top overall pick of the 2017 PBA Draft and several teams are understandably trying to strike a deal. TnT KaTropa was previously linked but the latest club to pitch is the San Miguel Beermen.
According to the Inquirer, the Beermen are dangling Jay-R Reyes, Rashawn McCarthy, Keith Agovida and a future first-round pick plus cash considerations. The players being offered are the rarely used players in the SMB fold and aren’t likely the bunch that can help Kia be competitive.
The trade is still subject to approval by PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa. This will likely be deliberated on this coming Monday. PBA fans have aired their displeasure on the move, branding it a money-making initiative.
Assuming that SMB and Kia really want to get the deal done, the PBA could order both teams to revise the trade. The Beermen are no strangers to blockbuster trades, calling to mind the one that happened in 2011.
In an effort to inject youth into their aging lineup back then, the Beermen were after the top-three picks of Air21. Those players were Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra.
The original offer by SMB was to ship Danny Seigle, Mick Pennisi and Joseph Yeo. Atty. Chito Salud, the PBA Commissioner at the time, thumbed down the trade. Eventually, it was Seigle was still dealt but with Dorian Pena, Paul Artadi and Dondon Hontiveros.
With the present offer, Reyes may be the only one who would make sense. The former UP Fighting Maroon did start his PBA career on a high note but saw his stars dip through the years. McCarthy and Agovida do have promise but are unproven for now.
Narvasa could look into that celebrated 2011 PBA trade and call on revisions. San Miguel could either change the players involve and add veterans who can truly make Kia competitive. With a power-packed lineup, the Beermen may want to do the match and see which players are reaching their twilight or the ones who have gotten less exposure due to redundancy at their position.
With respect to SMB players, it would be best to hold off naming anyone for now. Unless something of this magnitude happens, expect a lot of backlash coming from fans and critics on this seemingly lopsided deal.
