Maverick Ahanmisi’s wishes have been granted by Barangay Ginebra after he was traded to Terrafirma in exchange for the first round pick in next season’s PBA Rookie Draft.
The PBA approved the deal on Wednesday, with Ginebra adding veteran Aljon Mariano to the mix.
Ahanmisi will now join forces with his younger brother Jerrick, who was dealt to Terrafirma from Magnolia in August for the rights of Javi Gomez de Liano.
With the trade, the elder Ahanmisi hopes to get the playing time he desires after revealing to Ginebra management of his intentions to be traded.
He averaged just 21.8 minutes in 65 appearances for Ginebra last season while producing 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Ahanmisi didn’t see action in the opener of the PBA season last Oct. 5 when Ginebra lost to Magnolia, 80-73.
The 34-year-old bared his trade request in a vlog last Oct. 9, even showing a conversation with a certain ‘Boss’ which was likely San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua.
Mariano, meanwhile, ends his 10-year stay with Ginebra that started as a second round pick in 2015, winning seven championships.
Last season saw Mariano playing only 28 games with an average playing time of five minutes. He also logged 1.4 points and 1.1 rebounds for the Gin Kings.
By getting Terrafirma’s first-rounder in the 51st season Draft, Ginebra may get itself a chance to get a high-profile player, depending on who puts their name in proceedings in January 2027, at the earliest.