Coach Yeng Guiao does not need to say anything, his facial expression shows what he feels about Japeth Aguilar’s performance during Burger King’s game against Purefoods last Sunday. (Photo by ALI VICOY)

As Philippine Basketball Association trades go, Japeth Aguilar’s transfer to Talk ’N Text from Burger King may have set a record for compensation given by a team for a rookie player.

The 22-year-old, 6-10 star was acquired by TNT in exchange four first round picks plus an undisclosed amount that left Burger King team manager Lito Alvarez grinning, instead of crying, over Aguilar’s departure.

The details, except for the financial package which Alvarez confirmed but did not reveal, was completed just two hours before tip-off Sunday of the opening of the PBA’s 35th season after hanging in the balance for several days.

“We were haggling right up before the jump ball,” said Alvarez during an interview Tuesday evening.

Under the deal, TNT handed Burger King four first round draft picks for 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The most important, in the short term, is the 2010 first round pick acquired by TNT from Barako Bull.

With Barako having personnel build-up problems, Barako could end up last and its pick could go No. 1, thereby hand Burger King another chance to pick first overall next year.

Alvarez said the negotiations with Japeth, his father Peter (living in the US), TNT representatives and the player’s manager, journalist-broadcaster Ronnie Nathanielsz, took so long (almost three days) that it left him nearly wasted, hoarse and nervous.

“In the end,” he said, “everyone was happy.”

The document that sealed the deal was the final draft of an agreement that assured the father and son that the player will be dealt to Talk ’N Text via Barako Bull and eventually to the Smart Gilas team, after one game.

He said Aguilar’s father would not let his son sign the contract unless he saw the trade agreement.

“So we drafted it and he signed it,” Alvarez said. “That was the only time we were assured he would play on opening day.”

Aguilar could play for his new team Gilas as early as tomorrow when the national squad, a guest competitor in the current PBA conference, takes on, of all teams, Burger King, a surprise match up pitting Aguilar with his former PBA team.

Asked why Aguilar was being traded after Burger King announced he would be the cornerstone of the franchise and after fighting so hard to sign him, Alvarez said he had no choice because Aguilar’s heart was not into playing with Burger.

“He was not happy with us,” Alvarez said. “We can’t force someone to play with us who is unhappy.”

He said Burger King coach Yeng Guiao, who convinced management to take Aguilar after looking closely at Rico Maierhoffer as its first pick in this year’s draft, approved the trade.

Alvarez said he is saddened by losing Aguilar, but is happy with the compensation and the idea that the PBA’s drafting integrity has remained intact.

He also said that the deal made the PBA whole after being threatened by disruption. He thanked TNT owner Manny Pangilinan for expediting the resolution of the issue that was triggered by Aguilar’s decision not to sign with Burger after the team picked him No. 1 overall in the draft this year.

“Be part of the solution and not the problem,” Pangilinan reportedly admonished Aguilar and the words appeared to have a dramatic effect on the player and his camp. The negotiations accelerated shortly after.

Aguilar had opted to play for the Smart Gilas team, a desire that was accomplished eventually, but at a short term cost for TNT.

In two years or less, however, Talk ’N Text may reap the benefit of this trade when Aguilar, after his stint in the national team, suits up for TNT, perhaps a better, stronger and flashier player.

As for Burger King, with a potential top pick again next year, it’s probably a lucrative trade again or a serious run at a serious build up to win a PBA title.