With a strong intention of retaining their Philippine Cup title, the three-peat champions Talk n’ Txt Tropang texters made perhaps the biggest late trade in the recent years, this is after acquiring Nino KG Canaleta from Air 21.
Photo credit: gmanetwork.com (KC CRUZ)
In a three-player trade approved yesterday, TNT sent Sean Anthony, rookie guard Eliud Poligrates and a 2016 first round pick to the elimination also-ran Air21 in exchange for Nino Canaleta.
This trade, which beat the 12 noon deadline set by the PBA for last minute player movement, is a big addition for the Texters who will face San Mig Coffee in a much-anticipated best of three series that will start today.
The 6’5 Canaleta, who will suit up for his fourth team in his eight-year career, has vastly improved his three-point shooting and post-up game in the past few years.
The last season’s most improved player averaged 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds to lead his team to reach merely playoffs twice last year but not this conference as the Express failed again to enter the quarterfinals.
Anthony, who averaged 5.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 (–foul word(s) removed–)ist for TNT will have his fifth team in only his three-year stay in the league.
On the other hand, the move might give a chance for the neophyte Poligrates to shine as the Air21 has long been in search for a point-guard that will run the show for them.
