Guiao to Lee's trade request: 'We deserve an explanation'

MANILA, Philippines - “I think we deserve an explanation.”

That was Rain or Shine’s coach Yeng Guiao’s stand after Paul Lee’s long-time adviser Lawrence Chongson went to media to announce that his ward is requesting for a trade.

Guiao and Rain or Shine officials were caught by surprise with the reports that came out Friday.

“The way we know Paul hindi siya yung tipong tao na (out of the blue) na pupunta sa media at sasabihin na gusto ko magpa-trade without facing us. Maganda ang samahan namin in the last three years.  We’re a family so nagulat kami nung mabalitaan namin yun. That’s not the way we know Paul as a person. It’s not his character,” Guiao told Philstar.com in a telephone interview.

Lee’s contract with Rain or Shine will expire at the end of the month and according to Guiao, they have already extended the best available offer, at least legally.  

Rain or Shine management is hoping to talk to Lee directly after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas as Guiao said they are not in the hurry to resolve the issue since they will retain his rights event after his contract expires at the end of the month.

“We want him to concentrate on his role sa Gilas kaya hindi namin siya iistorbohin sa ngayon. We will wait for the time that we can directly talk to Paul to confirm or validate kung ano talaga ang gusto niya,” Guiao added.

Lee earlier told Philstar.com that he wants to focus with his duties in the national team and leaves his free agency negotiations to his agent. 

Related Story: Lee focuses on World Cup, leaves free agency drama to agent

Their maximum three-year deal worth around Php 15.12 milion still stands unless Lee will tell them directly that he wants to be traded.

“I just want to clarify two points: All we want is a valid reason and confirmation kung ano talaga ang kagustuhan niya. Mahirap naman na magsabi or mag-conclude na yun nga ang gusto niya kasi ‘yung manager niya nagsabi nun,” Guiao said.  

“The second point is even if that is really his wish, wala kaming magagawa kasi may rule kami sa team na if you’re not happy with us, you can ask for a trade. Kung mapunta man sa option na yun we will have to find a good trade for him,” he added.

The sudden turn of events forced Guiao and his staff to change their strategy heading into Sunday’s Rookie Draft where they own the second and ninth picks in the first round.

“Mag-iiba yung priorities namin. We have to anticipate the eventuality that Paul will not be available. Dati iniiwasan ko yung guwardiya dahil andami namin sa position na yun,” Guiao explained.

He said that their choices for the second overall pick now narrows down to three – Gilas cadet players Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas and ABL veteran Chris Banchero.  

But Guiao’s top priority remains to be Lee, whom he wanted to have a heart to heart talk upon his return from his Gilas stint.  

“Gusto namin siya sa team, ayaw namin siyang mawala. Pero kung talagang hindi na maiiwasan na mapunta tayo sa option na gusto niya talaga magpa-trade then wala tayong magagawa. As long as it’s a fair deal, value for value, payag kami,” Guiao said. “Hindi namin siya igi-give up ng basta ganun lang.”