Aguilar traded to Kings; JayWash goes to B Pier

MANILA, Philippines - After months of on-and-off talks, San Miguel Corp. and Globalport finally agreed on a trade deal, sending Japeth Aguilar to Barangay Ginebra, Jay Washington to the Batang Pier camp and three other players to new teams.

SMC finally got Globalport’s nod to bring Aguilar over to Ginebra with a package that included young behemoth Yousef Taha plus a future draft pick from the Kings.

In giving away Washington, Petron Blaze took in Jason Deutchman and Globalport’s second round picks in the 2016 and 2017 drafts.

Barako Bull became a part of the blockbuster trade with the Energy Cola acquiring Ginebra’s Elmer Espiritu for future draft rights.

The Kings had been after Aguilar’s services since the 6-foot-9 player returned to the country after failing to make the grade in the NBA D-League.

Prior to the Commissioner’s Cup, Globalport and SMC were already negotiating about the trade but decided to shelve the talks.

But a package sweetened by the addition of Taha plus a future pick already proved irresistible for Globalport owner Mikee Romero.

“Jaywash and Taha fill the void and weaknesses of Globalport in the post. On top of that, we can use the draft pick to rebuild our team,” said Romero.

“With the addition of Washington, things really look good for us,” added Romero, believing they now have a better chance to make the playoffs. 

The Batang Pier were dead last in each of their first two conferences.

Meanwhile, Aguilar is expected to boost Ginebra’s frontline that includes Kerby Raymundo, Billy Mamaril and Rico Maierhofer.

“He’s a key addition. Remember, our team is run-and-gun. Here’s now a 6-foot-9 guy who can run and finish a fastbreak play,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.

“He’ll provide us rebounding and defense from the weak side. For his athleticism and quickness, he can be our last line of defense,” said Chua.

The Ginebra mentor intends to fit Aguilar to his team slowly but surely.

“I look forward to Japeth joining us in practice. There, he’ll know what we need,” said Chua.