By JONAS TERRADO
Calvin Abueva signed a three-year contract extension worth R15.1 million with the Phoenix Fuel Masters recently after joining the team from the Alaska Aces in a trade before the start of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Phoenix alternate governor Raymond Zorilla told the Bulletin that Abueva signed the new deal last week which gave him a fresh contract similar to the one he signed with Alaska in May 2015.
Abueva’s old contract was due to expire Friday.
Abueva’s agent Danny Espiritu said the seven-year forward known as “The Beast” will still receive R420,000 a month, the maximum salary allowed by the league.
The former San Sebastian star was traded to Phoenix last Aug. 7 in exchange for Karl Dehesa and a 2019 first round draft pick after things turned sour during the latter part of his stint with Alaska when he was suspended indefinitely due to his mysterious absence after the PBA All-Star Week in May.
Abueva has impressed in his first three games with the Fuel Masters, averaging 14.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks.
But Abueva ended up on the losing end against his former team Wednesday night when the Fuel Masters fell 108-97 to the Aces at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.