Phoenix’s stud forward Calvin Abueva has been traded to the Magnolia Hotshots in exchange for guard Chris Banchero and two draft picks.
The stunning development was announced by the PBA on Wednesday morning, saying the trade has already been approved by the league.
Abueva will now be making his way to Magnolia where he will be reunited with big man Ian Sangalang, his former teammate at San Sebastian where they formed the famed “Pinatubo Trio” with Ronald Pascual. The Hotshots will now feature a star-studded roster that also has ace guard Paul Lee, veteran forwards Marc Pingris and Jackson Corpuz and guards Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and Justin Melton.
Aside from Abueva, Magnolia also received Phoenix’s first round pick in this year’s draft.
Meanwhile, Phoenix bids farewell to the man known as “The Beast” who helped them make the semifinals of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup last year. After getting reinstated back to the league, Abueva made up for lost time and averaged 15.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.7 steals to steer the Fuel Masters to the semifinals where they lost to TNT.
Aside from Banchero, the Fuel Masters got Magnolia's first round pick (sixth overall) as well as its second-round draft rights (18th pick overall) in the March 14 draft. (JNP)