PBA commissioner turns down proposed trade between Alaska and Air21

The proposed trade involving Alaska’s Joe Devance and Air21’s Jay-ar Reyes was initially turned down by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.

Salud noticed the inequality of the trade and ordered the two teams to revise the swap—a transaction that probably left the Alaska followers scratching their heads.

“It’s uneven in my opinion,” Salud said. “I asked Air21 to involve at least one or maybe even two future Draft rights.”

Interestingly, the two cagers, who both stand at 6-foot-7, started their careers with the Welcoat Dragons (now Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.)

Reyes is a fine player but Devance, acquired by Alaska in 2008 in exchange for then rookie Sol Mercado, is more of a complete player and has already established himself as one of the league’s top offensive players.

Devance helped Alaska win the 2010 Reinforced Cup and has been a consistent frontrunner in the Best of the Player of the Conference race.

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo was quoted in national papers saying Devance wanted out “to seek greener pasture.”

Trillo said Alaska has offered Devance a maximum salary of P350,000 a month but the versatile Fil-Am cager still insisted to move out. There were reports that there are players who are receiving maximum salary that the league allows.

The Aces has previously acquired Wesley Gonzales also from Air21 and gave up rookie Elmer Espiritu.

Alaska will be parading Jason Forte, also a former Air21 import, for the coming Governor’s Cup.