Banchero, Meralco debunk trade buzz

Chris Banchero has no plans of leaving Meralco the same way the Bolts are not initiating any trade involving the veteran guard.

This was confirmed to Daily Tribune by Banchero and Bolts team manager Paolo Trillo on Saturday, dismissing trade rumors altogether.

"No, I would never (do that)," said Banchero, when asked if he asked or initiated a talk with the management to be traded to another team.

"I am extremely happy and grateful for everything Meralco has done for me and my family. I love where I'm at and excited for the future."

According to Trillo, part of the reason trade rumors came out is that Banchero has yet to see action in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association On Tour preseason tournament.

"Chris is nursing a strained hamstring near the groin area, that's why we're not risking it, since this is only a preseason tournament," added Trillo, whose brother, Luigi, will be calling the shots for the Bolts this coming season.

"But we've been open and transparent to players who wanted to be traded. A similar case of this was Noy Baclao, who sought permission from us if he can look for offers elsewhere and he ended up with San Miguel," Trillo said.

"As far as Chris is concerned, he hasn't talked to us about anything. He's been in our practices, doing strengthening on his injury, but he hasn't participated yet in practices."

According to Trillo, no team has approached them, although he had seen on social media that NorthPort is interested in Banchero and is now negotiating with Meralco, which was quickly dismissed by the young team executive.

"I haven't talked to anyone from NorthPort and I haven't entertained any offer from any team in the preseason. I don't know where these people are getting these reports, but we haven't spoken to any team, including NorthPort. There are creators who would simply use it as clickbaits just to get attention for their content," Trillo added.