Veteran forward Jay Washington is moving back to his old home – Talk ’N Text.
Globalport yesterday dealt the 6-foot-7 Washington to the Tropang Texters with the Batang Pier obtaining Noy Baclao plus a first round pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
The trade papers were already forwarded to PBA commissioner Chito Salud for approval.
“It’s a done deal between the two teams,” said a source who requested not to be named as he is not authorized to discuss the deal.
After playing for Welcoat Paints in the now-defunct PBL, the versatile forward entered the PBA in 2005 as the No. 1 overall pick by Air21, but was shipped to the Tropang Texters in a draft day trade.
Though considered as one of the team’s cornerstones, Washington didn’t last long under then Talk ’N Text coach Chot Reyes and was traded to San Miguel Beer for the No. 2 overall pick in 2008 Rookie Draft.
Talk ’N Text used that pick to grab point guard Jayson Castro.
Last year, San Miguel Beer severed ties with Washington after he was sent to Globalport where he teamed up with another former SMB stalwart in veteran guard Alex Cabagnot.
Washington, 32, averaged nearly 16 points and 7.5 rebounds per game with Globalport last season. If healthy, the 10-year veteran remains a force who can play multiple positions and create mismatches.
As for Baclao, the former No. 1 pick of Air21 (2010) will join his fourth squad after SMB during the 2011-12 season. He averaged 2.56 points and 3.66 rebounds last year for TNT.