MANILA, Philippines—Air21 (formerly Burger King) Monday took two big men for the price of one and was set to obtain prized guard Mike Cortez from San Miguel to boost its coming PBA Fiesta Cup campaign.

The Express, less than two weeks after acquiring Yancy De Ocampo from Talk ‘N Text, opted to ship the 6-foot-9 center to Barangay Ginebra for former Rookie of the Year Rich Alvarez and Doug Kramer in a move that added more ceiling to the frontline rotation of Yeng Guiao.

After the deal was approved by both squads, the Express prepared to give up Alex Cabagnot in exchange for former top rookie Cortez in a swap expected to be finalized Tuesday.

Cortez and Cabagnot will be playing for their third and fourth squads, respectively, when the import-laced event opens at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City with a double-header on March 21.

Cortez won the rookie trophy while playing for Alaska, which later dealt him to the Beermen for LA Tenorio. Cabagnot started his career with Sta. Lucia Realty, was later traded to Coca-Cola, and found his way to Burger King.

Less than two weeks ago, the Express also acquired the streak-shooting Ren-Ren Ritualo as part of the De Ocampo deal while giving up JR Quiñahan, Mike Yee and Aaron Aban.

“If we complete that (Cortez deal), I think we’re pretty much set for the coming tournament,” Air21 manager and PBA board chair Lito Alvarez said.

Air21, eliminated in the wild-card phase by Coca-Cola in the recent KFC-PBA Philippine Cup, will be reinforced by Leroy Hickerson, a former slam dunk champion in the Mexican professional league.

Source: Musong R. Castillo, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Good trade for Air21..

....is there any trade that will happen in the near future?...

I dont like this! They may got what they want but not what they need. They just satisfy what the SMB and Bgk needs!!
Their brand name Air21 bring back their old habits again!!!

diba si kramer at alvarez dating air21 rin?!