MANILA – Blackwater Elite shown veteran guard Nard John Pinto the door by sending him to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a two-team, three-player trade over the weekend.
In the trade deal, which is now up for PBA Commissioner’s Office’s approval, the Elite will send Pinto to the Fuel Masters in exchange for reserves Angelo Alolino and Joseph Eriobu.
The Elite was forced to let go of the former Arellano University Chiefs star, who was a vital part of Blackwater’s impressive run in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, after failing to come to terms on a contract extension.
Pinto was the latest member of Blackwater team to be traded away this offseason after earlier letting go of John Paul Erram and Ilonggo Paul Zamar to NLEX Road Warriors and San Miguel Beermen, respectively.
Unlike in Blackwater, Pinto is expected to have a tough time with the Fuel Masters as he will be playing alongside fellow point guards Rafael Joey Jazul, LA Revilla and Alex Mallari.
Alolino and Eriobu, meanwhile, could see a boost in their career with the Elite after being buried on the bench of the Fuel Masters under head coach Francisco Luis Alas last season.
With the move, Pinto will be playing for his fourth team in the PBA after previously playing for NorthPort Batang Pier, Columbian Dyip and Elite, while Eriobu will be on his third squad after suiting up for Dyip and Fuel Masters before./PN
