SMB head coach Leo Austria says CJ Perez trade “A win-win situation”

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of the most shocking and biggest trades in the history of the PBA is about to happen and it’s now all in the hands of Commissioner Willie Marcial if he will allow it.

A few days ago, it was announced that Terrafirma Dyip franchise player CJ Perez will be shipped to the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for Gelo Alolino, Matt-Ganuelas Rosser, Russel Escoto, and a 2021 PBA draft first-round pick.

Everyone was caught off guard and started to call the trade “one-sided” noting that the superstar-caliber Perez will have the chance to share the floor with six-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, and Alex Cabagnot.

Amid the controversial trade package, SMB head coach Leo Austria stepped in and insisted that the trade is a “win-win situation.”

“It’s a win-win situation. We gave up the no. 8 pick, may defensive player ka pa in Matt Rosser, may point guard, may big man pa. So halos kumpleto yung ibinigay namin. Dagdagan mo na lang ng isang veteran player, isang unit na yan.” Coach Austria said.

Also, some critics are saying that Commissioner Marcial should not allow this kind of trade for it is an obvious one-sided deal and it will ruin the future of the PBA.

Coach Austria understands the bashing that SMB is receiving as of this moment but he emphasized that by going for Perez, they would also lose the chance of grabbing a first-round pick in the draft.

“First time na mataas kami sa draft since my rookie year. Meron kaming No. 3 noon, pero through trade ang nangyari, na-acquire namin sa Barako Bull. After that, it’s either 11 or 12, pero most of the time no. 12. And hindi ganito kalalim ang draft,” Austria shared.

To boost Austria’s claims, Terrafirma board of governor Bobby Rosales backed him up by saying that the trade is fair enough.

“I think it’s a fair trade already. Ang importante yung first round pick. Of course sinasabi nila malalim, pero siyempre gusto pa rin natin na nasa bandang ibabaw tayo. I think it’s a fair trade, if you ask me,” bared Rosales.