Ahead of season debuts, Meralco sends Lanete to NorthPort

Garvo Lanete goes to the Batang Pier for the Bolts to make way for John Pinto. PBA Media Group (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Just a day before they swing into action in the PBA Philippine Cup, Meralco and NorthPort consummated a trade that was approved by Commissioner Willie Marcial.

The Batang Pier will now acquire the services of Garvo Lanete. In exchange, they will give up their 2020 second round pick to the Bolts.

The said move was made for Meralco to create a rotation room for John Pinto, who the team acquired from Phoenix on Saturday in a separate trade.

[Related Story: Pinto ends up in Meralco after trade with Phoenix]

However, Lanete may not be able to suit up for NorthPort when it battles Blackwater on Wednesday in the second day of the brand new season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Game time is at 4:30 p.m., before the Bolts, who will parade Pinto, and the Fuel Masters square off at 7 p.m.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno