The PBA offseason came alive with a blockbuster five-player trade involving sister squads Talk ‘N Text and Meralco along with the Barako Bull Energy Cola in a deal that was approved by the league commissioner’s office yesterday.
First, Jared Dillinger, Talk ‘N Text’s versatile wingman who is currently sidelined because of a hip injury he suffered in a car accident, was sent to Barako Bull for forward Sean Anthony. He was then sent to the Bolts along with power forward Don Allado in exchange for the sweet-shooting Ryan Buenafe and Gilbert Bulawan.
At the center of this deal remains Dillinger, the second pick of the 2008 draft who has averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in his four seasons and a half with the Tropang Texters. The athletic 6-foot-4 wingman was supposed to be part of the Gilas training pool but missed out on the opportunity after he suffered a hip injury that happened last April.
Meanwhile, reports are ripe regarding the possible move of Globalport’s high-leaping forward Japeth Aguilar to Ginebra in exchange for rookie big man Yousef Taha and a future first round draft pick. According to a report posted on Spin.ph, the deal has yet to be approved by the involved parties.
Several deals are also being floated around with the Batang Pier set to acquire Jay Washington for rookie forward Jason Deutschmann.