For the second time in four years, Rain or Shine has traded a soon-to-be free agent to Phoenix Super LPG.
The Elasto Painters dealt Gian Mamuyac to the Fuel Masters on Thursday.
As part of the trade, Rain or Shine also sent its second-round pick in the PBA Season 53 Draft to Phoenix, while acquiring the Fuel Masters’ first-round pick in the same draft.
Rain or Shine had been trying to sign Mamuyac to a contract extension over the past few months. His deal had already expired, but was automatically extended due to the ongoing PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The versatile 6-foot-2 guard had been with the Elasto Painters since 2022 — the same year the franchise traded Javee Mocon to Phoenix after both sides failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension.
Last conference, Mamuyac averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
In what turned out to be his final game with Rain or Shine on July 7, Mamuyac finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 131-108 loss to Blackwater.
Just days into the season-ending tilt, the trigger was pulled, and Mamuyac and his camp are ready to move on to a new chapter — all while seeking a fresh, three-year deal with the Fuel Masters, who are currently leading Group B (2-0).
“We will negotiate a new deal, three years,” said PJ Pilares of Titan Management Group, who handles the Ateneo de Manila product and Mocon.
Mamuyac, 27, now joins a Phoenix team that features his fellow TMG talents in star guard Tyler Tio and comebacking forward Kai Ballungay.
The two-time All-Star is expected to make his debut on Sunday, July 19, when the Fuel Masters take on the Kings at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With reports from Justine Bacnis
