Abueva to Magnolia, Banchero to Phoenix in early Wednesday trade shocker

Calvin Abueva is heading to Magnolia! PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--In a stunning development to start Wednesday, Phoenix just let go of its "prodigal son".

The Fuel Masters sent Calvin Abueva to the Magnolia Hotshots for Chris Banchero in a swap approved by the PBA trade committee.

The trade came as a shocker possibly to everyone as Abueva was just fresh from signing a three-year max salary deal with the Fuel Masters and just when they thought the team has just finally found its groove after coming just close to making last year's finals.

Some draft day significance was also involved here as both Magnolia and Phoenix swapped turns in choosing in the first round of the regular draft.

The Fuel Masters will now be selecting sixth overall in the draft, while the Hotshots slipped to the number 10 pick.

Phoenix also acquired Magnolia's second round pick, slated at number 18.

Abueva will be reuniting with former San Sebastian teammate Ian Sangalang at the Hotshots camp as the tandem will now look to carry their championship glory in college basketball play during the late 2000's and early 2010's to the pros.

Meanwhile, Banchero will now join a guard loaded Fuel Masters roster led by main man Matt Wright and Brian Heruela.

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