GOODBYES AND FRESH STARTS
Jordan Heading received goodbye messages and well-wishes from almost every member of the Converge FiberXers as he now waits for the PBA to approve his impending move to the Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang 5G.
“Obviously when these trades happen, it’s sad for a little bit,” Heading said after the FiberXers’ 117-103 comeback win over the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City. “But I think both teams can get good things out of this.”
The result, which saw Converge erase an 18-point deficit led by Alec Stockton and unheralded King Caralipio, was reduced to an afterthought after word came out before tipoff that Heading had been dealt to TNT for the rights to Mikey Williams.
Trade papers were submitted to the league shortly before the end of office hours, with an approval to be determined on Thursday at the earliest, the only stumbling block before the move can be made official.
And if the trade gets the thumbs-up sign, TNT can finally move on from the saga that is its contract dispute with Williams, who last played for the franchise during the run to the 2023 Governors’ Cup crown.
Communication between the two sides have been on and off, though discussions resumed recently, according to coach Chot Reyes. But the eventual endgame saw Williams potentially donning the purple uniforms of the FiberXers in the future.
Sources said Converge and Williams had been in contact even before the trade was consummated.
As for TNT, unloading Williams meant that it would secure a talented guard in Heading, who performed so well for Converge in the Commissioner’s Cup that he was among the candidates for the Best Player of the Conference award despite a quarterfinal exit.
And he’s expected to be the piece TNT direly needs at the guard spot with veteran Jayson Castro out for the season with a knee injury and Rey Nambatac currently sidelined due to a groin problem.
Meeting with owner
Heading, however, has not seen action in the all-Filipino tournament due to back spasms, and it’s unsure as to when he will suit up once the deal is given the green light.
The former national team standout confirmed that he was made aware of the trade earlier in the day when he was called for a meeting with no less than FiberXers team owner Dennis Anthony Uy.
Nonetheless, it was a no-brainer for Heading to drop by the game for a chance to see his soon-to-be ex-team.
“I really don’t know where to sit [during the game],” Heading said. “But at the same time, I still want to see these guys play. I still want to be here and come to the locker room and tell everyone that I appreciate my time with them.”
As for the game, Converge improved to 6-4 in the eliminations while Terrafirma will miss out on a playoff spot after dropping to 1-8.
