TNT Tropang Giga's interim coach Jojo Lastimosa is maintaining a distance from Mikey Williams, who has yet to return, leaving barely two weeks before the opening of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on 5 November. Lastimosa emphasized that Williams' case has been elevated to the top management, with governor Ricky Vargas and their legal team leading the negotiation. The coach expressed, "I’m not dealing with him anymore. It’s now Mr. Vargas and the lawyers."
Lastimosa revealed that he had to involve the top management since Williams has not provided the team with an exact date of his return from the United States, despite having a valid contract with them until 2025. Amid the uncertainty surrounding Williams, the Tropang Giga were compelled to omit him from the final roster released during the Season 48 press launch last Tuesday. Vargas, who is also the chairman of the PBA, mentioned that Williams is still on vacation and not ready to return, a statement that drew laughter from sportswriters.
With Williams unavailable, TNT will be facing personnel shortages, especially with Roger Pogoy sidelined for the next six months due to heart issues, and both Poy Erram and Justin Chua nursing knee injuries. Nevertheless, the Tropang Giga are resolute in their pursuit of the title, as they brought in the versatile Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. They also enlisted former imports Sean Chambers and Derrick Hamilton as special trainers in their training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
This isn't the first instance of Williams causing a stir over his playing contract. Last year, he found himself in a similar situation, where he refused to return until Lastimosa intervened and facilitated the contract signing. However, this time, Lastimosa chose to concentrate on preparing the team while head coach Chot Reyes continues his break.
So, if TNT consider trading him, I will suggest the following trade packages!
#3. James Laput and Jio Jalalon
Out of the SMC teams, Magnolia could be the one that need Mikey the most. A package of Laput and Jalalon should be good enough to keep TNT in the elite contender status. Laput is still green but he is almost there.
#2. Troy Rike and Will Navarro
An underrated package is the one that Northport can bring. I am not sure what happened with Rike but if he is willing to return, he is the perfect center for TNT. Navarro will be perfect to complement any roster by TNT.
#1. Brandon Rosser
Of course, Rosser is there most realistic target. But with the caveat that Mikey will be sent into a franchise outside the MVP group. Rosser is the perfect modern bigman. Can defend the rim and shoot threes.
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