By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Things are getting complicated for Rain or Shine Elastopainters and the NLEX Road Warriors after the former demanded a first-round pick and NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana in exchange for versatile big man Beau Belga.
According to Spin.ph and other PBA sources, the Elastopainters already stood firm that they will only let go of Belga if they will receive Oftana in return.
Several trade packages were already scrapped by Rain or Shine. First, the Yeng Guiao led squad presented Michael Miranda and one of their first-round picks for Belga.
The second proposed trade package was to let go Kris Porter and Will MacAloney for Belga that was also rejected by the Elastopainters.
Oftana, the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft third overall pick, was a member of the Gilas Pilipinas squad and was NCAA’s former MVP.
A versatile forward who can attack inside and outside, Oftana’s six-foot-five height can also impose mismatches as he is quicker than most PBA forwards and can face up and drain jumpers with his shooting prowess.
Previously, Guiao and the NLEX management expressed their desire to acquire another quality big man after Poy Erram departed from the squad.
Will NLEX bite Rain or Shine’s offer and let go of Oftana for Belga?