PBA commissioner Salud gives Alaska 2 more picks in Devance-Reyes trade

Alaska Milk will get two future second round picks in the trade involving forwards Joe Devance and Jay-R Reyes. Philippine Basketball Association Atty. Chito Salud approved the revised trade on Monday. “Air21 gave two picks in the trade involving Devance and Reyes. These are the 2011 and 2012 second round picks so I approved the trade," said Salud in a text message to GMA News Online. Air21 coach Bong Ramos said he was unaware the trade — involving a player who’s been having an MVP-type season and a talented forward often criticized for his lack of heart — was revised and approved by the PBA commissioner. “We came from Cebu and we have no idea the trade was revised," said Ramos in a telephone interview. “But it was really Alaska which initiated the trade. Alaska was asking for an additional pick and I said no, and eventually, they agreed on a one-on-one trade." But Salud, who has previously made revisions of several trades in his first season as head of the league, decided to include two future picks in the package to offset the advantage of Devance over Reyes. Alaska Milk coach Tim Cone said in a text message it was Devance who asked to be traded. “We moved Joe because he was unhappy with his situation with the team and we saw an opportunity to get a young, up and coming player like Jay-R Reyes. Outside of that, you’ll have to discuss with Joe," said Cone. Devance’s contract ends this July and a highly-placed source from the league told GMA News Online that the player who is a strong contender for this season’s MVP award, has started negotiating with the Aces management. The same source said Devance has reportedly asked for monetary increased, one that didn’t sit well with Alaska management. “People from Alaska told me Joe asked them for increase in salary. He’s already receiving a maximum contract and Alaska cannot pay more than that," said the source. — KBK, GMA News