Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) — With all the negative reactions surrounding the proposed trade between Kia and San Miguel, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Chito Narvasa said he is carefully looking at all angles of the deal.
“We’re looking into that and how it’s going to affect Kia or how it’s going to benefit the PBA,” Narvasa told CNN Phillipines Tuesday.
“Kia is a member of the PBA. It has the same rights as any other team. We have to look on both sides. I’m not surprised at the backlash of this whole trade,” he added.
Narvasa said the trade papers were sent to his office and he has no idea who initiated it.
“I really don’t know. It just came to my desk and they said there’s a trade there,” he said.
As commissioner, Narvasa will evaluate the trade which could potentially change the landscape of the league for the next couple of years.
“One thing that’s important to me is to find out if the process has been followed. If it’s been followed, then we have to study that.”
“Second thing here, has there been any violation by any team. If there is, definitely we just have to say no. But if there’s none and then we find out.”
The rumored trade involves several San Miguel players plus a draft pick for Kia’s top overall pick.
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Asked if there’s a chance that the deal will not push through, Narvasa said nothing is set in stone.
“There’s always a possibility that it won’t happen. But again, that depends on the philosophy behind it.”
“If Kia believes that this is going to help them, the commissioner must be able to respect and recognize that.”
At the end the day, Narvasa believes that the PBA teams will help one another.
“The PBA is a family. It has to be able to help each other, and that’s what I think we should be looking at.”
Narvasa said he will decide on the trade before draft day which will happen on Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila.
CNN Philippines’ Paolo del Rosario contributed to this report.
