ROS sends Javee Mocon to Phoenix as impasse ends

After failing to land a new deal with ROS, Javee Mocon is heading to Phoenix. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Javee Mocon's contract dispute with Rain Or Shine ends in a trade.

The Elasto Painters sent the six-foot-three forward to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a trade that the PBA approved on Tuesday.

In exchange, his old team Rain Or Shine acquired Nick Demusis and two future picks, a first round pick for Season 48 and a second round pick for Season 49.

Mocon was among those still without a new contract at the start of the PBA season.

The Elasto Painters still got to play on Sunday night in a winning effort against newcomers Converge FiberXers during the season opener despite still failing to re-sign Mocon.

Right after the trade was approved, Phoenix quickly signed Mocon to a three-year contract.

Whether he will suit up for the team when it begins its PBA season against San Miguel on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum here is up in the air especially that the swap was only approved on the eve of the match.

To ease up the loss of Demusis, the Fuel Masters activated rookie Chris Lalata for their game against the Beermen, placing fellow former Davao Occidental Tiger Billie Robles to the reserve list.

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