Vic Manuel's 3 preferred trade destinations according to agent

A reunion project with Calvin Abueva at Phoenix could be on the horizon for Vic Manuel. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Player agent Danny Espiritu said on Saturday that he tends to ask his clients playing in the PBA three teams that they would want to be with if they get traded soon.

Alaska star Vic Manuel, who is currently the man of the hour for his trade demand, is no exception to that.

When asked in an interview on The Chasedown, Espiritu bared that Manuel prefers ending up at either Phoenix, NLEX, or San Miguel.

Apparently, the Fuel Masters are Manuel's top priority, and the reason is quite obvious.

"Pwede ako sa Phoenix kasi makakasama ko si Calvin [Abueva]," Espiritu relayed why Manuel prefers to join the squad led by former Alaska assistant coach Topex Robinson.

Since joining the Aces through a March 10, 2014 trade with the second incarnation of the Air21 Express for Aldrech Ramos, Manuel formed a 1-2 combo with Abueva to become Alaska's modern day cornerstones.

When Abueva was traded to the Fuel Masters, Manuel stepped up to be the Aces' sole superstar.

However, seeing him and Abueva reunite again sounds pleasing to the ears.

On the other hand, Espiritu said that Manuel likes to play alongside another good friend of his with the Beermen.

"Pwede rin ako sa San Miguel. Kaibigan ko si Arwind [Santos]," Espiritu further relayed.

One can argue that it could be a changing of guards as Santos is turning 40 this year, while Manuel is just turning 34.

Meanwhile, Manuel, as told by Espiritu, bared his desire to be under the tutelage of fiery coach Yeng Guiao.

"Pwede rin ako sa NLEX kasi type ko si Coach," Espiritu quoted Manuel further.

Among the three, however, the Road Warriors could be the longest shot as the Aces are expected to shoot for the moon just for a Vic Manuel trade to happen.

As an example, Espiritu said that NLEX will surely not give up Kiefer Ravena for Manuel.

"Hindi matutuloy yan kahit saan mong tignan," Espiritu further said considering the importance of Ravena to the Road Warriors' campaign.

Considering that NLEX's core is tough to replace, finding a trade package for Manuel is easier said than done.

Espiritu then quoted what Cariaso told Manuel in their meeting: "Alam mo, Vic, hindi madali ang trade. Kinakailangan, kung ite-trade ka namin, equal value ang makukuha namin na kapalit mo kasi masyado kang valuable sa amin."

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