Narvasa approves controversial SMB trade for Kia's top pick

PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa has approved the controversial trade that would give San Miguel Beer the top overall pick in this year's draft from Kia.

The deal will see the Beermen send bench players Jay-R Reyes, Ronald Tubid, Rashawn McCarthy, and a 2019 first round pick to Kia.

The trade had drawn flak from fans who felt that San Miguel, already the winners of the last three Philippine Cup titles, would get even more talent.

The top pick would give the Beermen a chance to snag Filipino-German Gilas Pilipinas center Christian Standhardinger, who could team up with four-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo in an imposing frontcourt pairing.

Other top prospects in this year's draft pool include Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng, Raymar Jose, and Rey Nambatac. —JST, GMA News