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PBA commissioner to approve Gonzales-Espiritu trade


Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Atty. Chito Salud is expected to approve the proposed one-on-one trade between Air21 and Alaska that would send rookie Elmer Espiritu to the Express and veteran journeyman Wesley Gonzales to the Aces. "I don't see any problem with that. The trade proposal doesn't appear one sided so I will approve it," said Salud in a text message to GMA News. Espiritu, Alaska's first-round pick of this season, spent most of his time riding the Aces' bench and wasn't given the opportunity to show his potential. The 6-foot-3, slum-dunking forward from University of the East, is one of the most talented players in this season's rookie cast but ended up with a team that is loaded on the 3-4 spots occupied by Tony dela Cruz, Joe Devance, Mark Borboran and previously, Reynel Hugnatan, who was shipped to the Meralco Bolts for another forward Hans Thiele, also this season. Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said the deal is a win-win situation for both teams. "I think both teams got the players that they wanted," Gregorio said in a text message. Gonzales, has been involved in several trade transactions before. But he blossomed with the Express, particularly during former coach Yeng Guiao's last season where he logged in a 10.8 points per game average. A ninth overall pick by the Express in the 2004 Rookie Draft, Gonzales will be playing in his fourth team in the pro league. - Rey Joble, JVP, GMA News

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