ANTIPOLO — Rain or Shine is planning to take all the time it may need before re-entering negotiations with Andrei Caracut on the heels of its decision to trade away Gian Mamuyac after failing to come to terms on a new deal.
The Elasto Painters are looking to cross the bridge when they get there, so to speak, since the 30-year-old’s contract has been auto-extended until December of this year before the Season 50 Governors’ Cup that opened just last week.
“We’re not in an emergency or urgent situation, doon sa situation ni Andrei,” head coach Yeng Guiao told reporters Saturday night, moments after their 122-114 defeat to Jason Brickman and Meralco at the Ynares Center here.
He offered as much when asked if their contract talks with Caracut would be affected by the move they pulled off just recently, in which the team shipped its erstwhile captain to Phoenix for the latter’s Season 53 first-round draft pick.
The trade was made after Rain or Shine, and the camp of Mamuyac—namely Titan Management Group—couldn’t meet halfway on a new pact, marking the second time in the last four years that they sent away an upcoming free agent.
In case you’re wondering, the first was versatile forward Javee Mocon, who was traded to, coincidentally, the Fuel Masters as well back in June 2022 in exchange for bruising winger Nick Demusis and two draft selections.
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Before the season-ending tourney, Mamuyac and Caracut became restricted free agents. They were both in discussions with the franchise’s top brass, but could not agree on a new deal until they were auto-extended.
But just last Thursday, the Elasto Painters ultimately let go of Mamuyac, leaving the team in shock as they lost one of the key pieces of the team’s resurgence.
Will the former La Salle gunner be next, or will he be staying? Those are surely the burning questions that Guiao & Co. will have to answer once the season comes to a close. For now, though, it isn’t that much of a concern.
“Extended naman siya hanggang December. So, mahaba pa ang oras para pagusapan ‘yun,” the champion bench tactician offered.
Saturday night actually marked their first game without Mamuyac, and Guiao himself admitted that the trade is still affecting his men. And that is why they’re trying not to talk about their former teammate as much as they could.
“This was our first game without Mamu, so meron pa rin ‘yan. Kaya, we try to avoid talking too much about it, kasi nagiging distraction siya,” he said. “Even sa dugout, we try not to discuss ‘yung nakaraan or ‘yung sitwasyon kay Mamu.
“Kayo lang ang tanong nang tanong eh, kaya nasa usapan pa eh,” he added jokingly, drawing laughs from members of the press.
“Gusto naming maging masaya siya roon at maging masaya kami sa nilalaro namin.”
And it would be the same even when they prepare for their game against Mamuyac and Phoenix this coming Tuesday, also at the Ynares Center here.
“We will just treat it like a regular game. Nagre-request lang si Beau na kahit three minutes daw, ipasok siya, kasabay ni Mamu,” said Guiao, smiling.
“Siya na raw ang bahala.”
