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SMB adds Dondon, Dorian in trade package for Air21 top rookies



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Denied in their first bid to acquire Air21's top three rookie picks, San Miguel Beer did not waste any time revising its trade offer. With the top three picks — Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra — in sight, the Beermen included Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Peña and Paul Artadi in the trade package but retained Danny Seigle. Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Salud has yet to approve SMB's new trade offer. Salud turned down the Beermen's initial offer of shipping Seigle, Mick Pennisi and Joseph Yeo for the Express' top three picks in last year's PBA Rookie Draft. Salud said on Tuesday that whatever SMB will offer will be subject to study by his office. Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio, in a text message to GMA News, said both squads will benefit if Salud approves the two-team, seven-player trade. "Some things are inevitable and beyond our control, but this trade seems exciting and win-win for both teams," Gregorio said. Seigle and Peña started — and assumed to end — their PBA careers with the Beermen. But the latest trade offer have definitely bothered the two veteran frontliners, who appeared to be at the twilight of their careers. A source from San Miguel said Seigle even called up former teammate and now assistant coach Olsen Racela the first time he heard of the trade. "Hindi siya mapakali because he thought he would end his career with San Miguel," said the Beermen insider. "So he asked Olsen if he has any knowledge about the trade, and Olsen replied that he didn’t know anything about it." Peña also appeared to be bothered by the possibility of moving to a new team. "I don't know what's going on and I have not been told anything, but my heart and soul have been here (SMB) for 10 years," said Peña in his Twitter account. For Artadi, being traded is nothing more than ordinary. "Mukhang mati-trade na naman ako. Tha'’s life. Enjoy it and we have to move on. This is confusing yet exciting," Artadi said in his Twitter account. Since turning pro in 2004, Artadi has played in all of the three teams under SMC's umbrella — Purefoods, Ginebra and San Miguel. - Rey Joble/JVP/OMG/KY, GMA News
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