THE Derby Ace Llamados will give up two key players in exchange for the versatile Joe Devance.
The Llamados will send the high-flying KG Canaleta and banger Jondan Salvador to the Express and will get Devance and seldom-used Marcy Arellano.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud has reviewed and approved the trade.
After initially turning down the trade, Salud has approved the transfer of Devance to the Express from the Alaska Aces after Air21 added a second round draft pick in the transaction.
Devance joined his second day of practice with the Express yesterday when he was informed that he has been traded to the Llamados.
“I received a word from the management that we are trading Devance along with Arellano,” said Bong Ramos told gmanews.tv.
“If it’s true that I’m headed to B-Meg, then it gives me reason to be excited as I have a chance to win another championship,” said Devance.
“They have James (Yap), Kerby (Raymundo), PJ (Simon), and other stars. They don’t even need me to win a championship,” added Devance in jest. “But I will be happy to join the squad.”
Devance will be a crucial addition to the already potent lineup of the Llamados.
Devance led the statistical race for the Best Player of the Conference award in the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup where he finished with 32 statistical points.
With Alaska, Devance ranked in scoring with a 13.4 points per game average. Devance also finished the tournament averaging 8.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Governor’s Cup, set to open on June 11, will only have nine teams after the Red Bull Barakos decided to continue to be on-leave.