Guiao hints at possible Desiderio, Tratter trade as report of acquiring Erram swirls

We may see Paul Desiderio donning a Blackwater kit soon. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Many fans thought NLEX stole the show in the Philippine Basketball Association Draft when the team zoomed to the fourth overall pick through a trade with Phoenix and selected Paul Desiderio while still acquiring Abu Tratter at seventh overall.

However, it seemed like they were just parts of a huge plan.

A report by Randolph Leongson of Spin.PH surfaced just after the draft was finished on Sunday night that Desiderio and Tratter will be traded to Blackwater for star center Poy Erram.

While the report is still developing as of posting, Coach Yeng Guiao hinted to Dugout Philippines that the Road Warriors are pondering about shopping both Desiderio and Tratter in the trading block.

"There's a possibility that we can use them [as] a trade bait for a big man na kailangan namin," said Guiao.

He, however, clarified that keeping them remains an option, but he sees their current state as a win-win scenario.

"Both ways, we'll be very happy with whatever happens doon sa situation na yun," Guiao further said.

Should both NLEX and Blackwater push through with the trade, they can only do so beginning on Monday as the league bars the teams from doing trades right on draft day.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno