PBA bars Transactions

Unideal time to hit free-agency

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA has ordered a freeze on any kind of player transaction while Season 45 play remains suspended.

The new policy, approved during Saturday night’s online meeting of the board of governors, could lead to a number of free agents during the extended hiatus as their contracts lapse in July and August.

“Wala munang transaction habang may COVID – walang trades, walang signing of free agents, walang signing of new players,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said.

The board, according to him, is actually allowing teams to re-sign their respective players with expiring contracts but they may opt not to do so right away during this interruption.

But Marcial stressed that the ballclubs will have to sign the players within five days of their return to training post-quarantine to keep their rights.

“Yung mga expiring, nasa teams pa rin ang rights.  Okay lang na hindi muna nila papirmahin agad pero kailangan nilang papirmahin five days after mag-start uli ang official practice,” said Marcial.

By mid-year, some of the players will need contract extensions from teams dealing the effects of the play suspension.

Alaska’s Sonny Thoss and Jvee Casio, San Miguel’s Chris Ross, Meralco’s Baser Amer and Chris Newsome, NorthPort’s Sean Anthony, Rain or Shine’s James Yap, TNT’s Ryan Reyes and NLEX’ Kevin Alas lead the cast of the cagers with expiring pacts in July.

Magnolia’s Marc Pingris and Mark Barroca, NLEX’ Bong Galanza and Phoenix’ RR Garcia and Jansen Rios are among those whose contracts end in August.

The PBA is facing uncertainties with the ban on mass gatherings not likely to be lifted soon in areas under community quarantine.

The board of governors led by chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT will assess the situation again in August before making a definitive decision on the fate of Season 45.

“By August, magde-decide kami for the season, kung mag one conference kami or cancel na,” said Marcial.