NORTHPORT wants to iron things out with three recalcitrant players but would be ready to move on if negotiations don’t work out.
Batang Pier management could not be reached for comment, but an insider said team officials were set to decide later yesterday on what to do should talks with Greg Slaughter, Robert Bolick and Nico Elorde continue to lead nowhere.
“Text-text muna, then tawagan na or online meeting kapag may discussions pang needed,” said the source.
“Kapag walang nangyari sa negotiations I believe main option being considered is to tap available players from other leagues, ‘yung mga free agents din,” added the source. “Kung walang makukuha, then management is ready to go ahead and play with what they have.”
NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio expressed the hope that management and players could still work things out. But he is solely focused on preparing his team for the Governors Cup that resumes this Friday.
“Nag-uusap naman yata sila, players and management. Sanay naman tayo na kung ano nandiyan nagagawa natin ng paraang maging competitive,” said Jarencio.
“Kaya lang, iyun nga, mahirap kasi baka mawala nga ‘yung tatlo,” he added. “Kahit sa praktis wala, hindi sumisipot.”
The contracts of Slaughter, Bolick and Elorde expired last Jan. 31, but management tried to iron out new deals even before that.
The insider said Elorde has been offered a fresh two-year deal, but reportedly wants a shorter pact so he could exercise his options once he becomes an unrestricted free agent next year.
Elorde and other players belonging to the 2015 draft class will be accorded such a privilege based on a new PBA rule set in place this year stating that those who have played seven years in the league would become UFAs once their contracts expire and can choose which team to play for.
The cases of Slaughter and Bolick are slightly different since both have declined the fresh deals offered them amid reports they are being lured to play overseas.
“Si Bolick, I think may offer siya sa Taiwan,” the source said. “Pati Japan, sila pareho ni Greg may offer pero Taiwan ang aggressive.”
Failing to come to terms would be costly for both NorthPort and the players.
The Batang Pier are still winless after four starts in the Governors Cup and losing their top two players in Bolick and Slaughter, as well as main backup point guard Elorde, would greatly dampen their chances of salvaging their campaign.
For their part, the players would have to receive offers from other teams that NorthPort could match just to keep them.
If the players still don’t want to play for the Batang Pier they would have to sit it out for five years. Their case would be up for review after two years and they could sign with the team. Failure to do so means they have to wait out the rest of the sit-out period.
