Leo Austria responds to CJ Perez trade critics

San Miguel is on the verge of acquiring the top scorer for the recently concluded 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.

The Beermen on Friday agreed to send their first round pick in the upcoming draft together with Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Gelo Alolino and Russel Escoto to Terrafirma Dyip for their main man CJ Perez.

The deal, however, is still under review by the league’s 5-man trade committee and might probably take some time to resolve especially after the getting a lot of flak from fans and observers alike.

SMB head coach Leo Austria feels that the swap is a win-win situation for both teams.

“It’s a win-win situation. We gave up the no. 8 pick, may defensive player ka pa in Matt Rosser, may point guard, may big man pa. So (halos) kumpleto yung ibinigay namin. Dagdagan mo na lang ng isang veteran player, isang (unit) na yan,” disclosed Austria.

Terrafirma team governor Bobby Rosales, on the other hand, believes it’s a good deal with the Dyip getting quality pieces in return.

“Honestly I believe it’s a fair trade. That’s how I look at it. People may look differently at it. But it’s a good deal,” said Rosales.

“If you want to get someone of value, you have to be willing to give up someone also of value to consummate the trade. I don’t think it’s a one-sided trade. I hope they can also see now we have two first round picks,” he added.

While the trade generated a lot of backlash for the two teams and the league as well, Austria reminded the critics that team officials are simply doing their job.

“It’s the job of coaches and management to get the best available player. If they’re (players) available, we have to keep on trying to get a player, kahit sino pa yan,” explained the 8-time PBA champion mentor.