Narvasa on growing backlash on Kia-SMB trade: "Everyone has a say"

By Ivan Saldajeno

BOCAUE--PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa said on Friday night that he already anticipated the generally negative feedback on the blockbuster trade that will give San Miguel the number one pick in this year's rookie draft on Sunday.

The biggest of the backlashes came just hours before he announced the approval of the swap that in the process will give Kia veterans Jay-R Reyes, Ronald Tubid, Rashawn McCarthy, and a 2019 first round pick when no less than GAB chairman Baham Mitra issued a statement calling out the league for the said trade.

[Related Story: Mitra speaks for GAB on controversial Kia-SMB swap offer: "We are intently observing"]

"Everyone has a say. We live in a free society. I don't speak for what they feel about. People will say yes. People will say no. Some will agree. Some will not. That's the way it is," said Narvasa during the press conference where he announced that the trade is indeed on.

[Related Story: On third try, Kia-SMB trade finally approved]

He then believes that the fans and even GAB's take on the controversial transfer is something that they said out of their love for the game.

"This is basketball. Mahal talaga natin ang basketball," the commissioner continued.

However, he somehow agreed with Mitra that there should be balance among the 12 member clubs in terms of the player movements whether through trades or the draft selection.

"We have to think on what is good for the league. There has to be a resemblance of balance," Narvasa further quipped.

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