Vic Manuel's stint with the Alaska Aces has come to a close after the forward was dealt to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters for a future first rounder and guard Brian Heruela on Tuesday. The trade, which has already been approved by the league's trade committee, also involves a pick swap between the two teams.
As part of the deal, Phoenix will be sending the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft that was obtained from Magnolia in the earlier Calvin Abueva deal. Along with it is a second-rounder (16th overall) and the Fuel Masters' first round selection in the Season 47 draft.
Alaska, on the other hand, will be dealing its first-round pick (7th), and 2nd round choice (19th) overall.
According to Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso, Heruela was requested by the trade committee to be included in the deal before it gave the green light.
"Because he wasn't part of the original offer, he may end up being a blessing in disguise for us. Great kid with tremendous worth ethic," said Cariaso in a tweet.
Correct. Brian was an add on requested by the PBA to formalize the trade. Because he wasn't part of the original offer, he may end up being a blessing in disguise for us. Great kid with tremendous worth ethic.
— Jeff Cariaso (@thejet_22) February 23, 2021
Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia mentioned that the trade allows them to keep up with the top teams of the PBA.
"We just want to be able to compete with the big teams. This trade really aligns with management's goal to put up a contending team each conference. Vic is a big pick-up for us. With his threat in the post, it should open up our three's for our shooters," Bugia said.
The deal puts an end to several weeks of contentious negotiations between the forward and the Aces camp.
Manuel's contract expired last Dec. 31, and when January came, Manuel announced that he wanted out of the team after what he felt was an unfair two-year offer with the second year contingent on the forward meeting certain conditions. Team governor Dickie Bachmann then questioned why Manuel took his grievances to the media.
Last week, Cariaso and Manuel's agent Danny Espiritu both acknowledged that the two sides were still far apart and that a trade was still very possible.