Cardona will be joining a team that is new in the PBA as Meralco bought the Sta. Lucia Realty franchise in a multi-million deal.

Newly-appointed Manila Electric Company (Meralco) coach Ryan Gregorio got his wish to have a legitimate scorer and a go-to-guy when the Bolts landed high-scoring guard Mac-Mac Cardona in a three-team trade.

The trade was consummated late Friday with Air21 acting as conduit between sister-teams Meralco and Talk ‘N Text.

The TNT Tropang Texters first traded Cardona to the Express in exchange for the No. 4 pick in this month’s PBA Rookie Draft. Air21 then dealt the 6-foot-1 guard to Meralco for sophomore playmaker Josh Urbiztondo and the No. 3 pick in the Draft.

The Express now have the first three picks in the Rookie Draft set Aug. 29 at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig City.

“Cardona is the go-to-guy we want to build the team around him,” Gregorio said on Saturday.

“He is one of the best scorers in the league and I expect him to carry the scoring cudgels for us. I am excited to work with him as we reach greater heights,” added Gregorio, who has mentored James Yap when he was still with Purefoods.

It was actually the second deal between the three teams this week after Meralco got Beau Belga, TNT got back Ali Peek and JR Quiñahan rejoined Air21.

“It’s good for Air21,” team manager Allan Gregorio said. “We’re very excited to rebuild the team with these great rookies.”

The Express official already mentioned the names of Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Noy Baclao as their target for the No. 1 and 2 picks in the Draft. With the third overall selection, they’re hoping to get a shooter or a small forward.

“RJ Jazul is probably the best combo guard available in the Draft, and then there’s Rey Guavarra who is highly-recommended by everybody specially coach Rajko Toroman. Also, who cannot consider the talent of Elmer Espiritu,” he said.

Al-Hussaini, Jazul and Guevarra played for Toroman in the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas, where Allan Gregorio is one of the assistant coaches.

Cardona will be joining a team that is new in the PBA as Meralco bought the Sta. Lucia Realty franchise in a multi-million deal.

A former De La Salle Green Archer, Cardona was originally drafted by Air21 in 2005 (fifth overall) but was shipped to Talk ‘N Text where he has become one of the team leaders. He won Best Player of the Conference in 2007 (Fiesta Cup) and has helped TNT win the Philippine Cup title last season.

Cardona will be joining a team that includes veteran center Marlou Aquino, wingman Nelbert Omolon and incoming second year point guard Chris Ross.