(UPDATED 2:54 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – Disgruntled big man Vic Manuel is bound for the Phoenix Fuel Masters after a trade deal has been reached with the Alaska Aces, which will get guard Brian Heruela and some draft picks, multiple reports said Tuesday.
Gerry Ramos of Spin.ph first broke the news, saying the trade has reached the PBA Commissioner’s office for approval.
The PBA shortly approved the trade, per Bryan Ulanday of The STAR.
Another trade in the books in the wild PBA offseason as Alaska ships veteran Vic Manuel to Phoenix in exchange for Brian Heruela and draft picks in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft, @pbaconnect confirms. @PhilippineStar @StarSportsHub @PhilstarNews
— John Bryan Ulanday (@bryanulanday) February 23, 2021
Under the approved deal, Alaska acquires Heruela and the picks of the Fuel Masters (No. 6 and No. 16). Alaska also let go of its picks (No. 7 and No. 19). Finally, the Aces will get Phoenix's first round pick in the 2022 draft.
The Fuel Masters originally received that No. 6 pick from Magnolia as part of their recent transaction that sent star Calvin Abueva for guard Chris Banchero.
Banchero's arrival at Phoenix likely prompted the squad to move Heruela, who also plays point guard.
Other outlets claimed it was a sign-and-trade deal for Alaska in an effort to still acquire assets for Manuel.
The workhorse Manuel, who suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, finally got his wish to be traded after repeatedly expressing his disinterest in staying with Alaska.
He averaged 15.6 points and 6.1 rebounds last season.