Jericho Cruz will now see action for NLEX. PBA Images (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA—Jericho Cruz is set for a reunion with former mentor Yeng Guiao as the combo guard is NLEX-bound after a trade with TNT and NorthPort was approved on Monday.
The KaTropa gave up Cruz to the Road Warriors in exchange of Marion Magat.
The Batang Pier served as the conduit for the trade to push through and got Mike Miranda from the KaTropa.
Future draft picks also changed hands as NorthPort got NLEX's second round pick in this year's PBA Draft.
Both sides also essentially swapped draft orders for the second round of the 2020 draft as the Batang Pier got the Road Warriors' draft pick and the latter now has the former's second round pick originally owned by the San Miguel Beermen.
TNT also acquired NorthPort's 2021 and 2022 second rounders in the process.
The trade is said to put an end to what seems like "hard times" between Cruz and Active Consultant Mark Dickel.
A rumored tension between Cruz and Dickel stemmed from rumors putting Cruz in the trade package for Ray-Ray Parks.
The KaTropa eventually placed Cruz to the injured list due to what Dickel said was a hamstring injury, but it came at a time that the Parks trade rumors were revived.
The drama escalated when they told Cruz to not attend practices from thereon.
Cruz's PBA career blossomed under Guiao with Rain Or Shine.
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