MANILA – Phoenix Fuel Masters formalized its acquisition of Nard John Pinto after the PBA Commissioner’s Office approved his trade from the Blackwater Elite on late Monday.
The Fuel Masters also fortified their roster ahead of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup by extending the contracts of veteran gunners Matthew Wright and Alex Mallari.
In an advisory by PBA on Monday night, it has approved the one-on-one trade that sent Pinto to the Fuel Masters in exchange for rarely used forward Joseph Eriobu to the Elite.
Pinto, however, might not be wearing the Phoenix jersey come the PBA opener as the Fuel Masters is reportedly in talks with NorthPort Batang Pier for a possible trade involving the stocky guard.
Wright, meanwhile, has agreed to a three-year extension to the Fuel Masters even if his existing contract will not expire until August this year, while Mallari was given a two-year extension.
Wright led the way for the Fuel Masters in terms of scoring last season with 17.6 average on 34 percent three-point shooting. He also averaged team-high 4.54 assists but commits 3.06 turnovers per outing.
Aside from securing its veterans, the team also extended one-year contracts to rookie selections Jorey Napoles and Ron Dennison. Terms of the deal were not revealed.
The Fuel Masters were fresh from making the playoffs of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup after finishing at second in the standings. They however faltered to the Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals./PN
