Gone are the days of the renowned San Miguel “death lineup.”

San Miguel traded one of its longest-tenured players in Arwind Santos following a shock deal to acquire Vic Manuel from NorthPort, the PBA announced on Monday, November 8.

The trade came just three days since NorthPort obtained Manuel and Mike Calisaan from Phoenix in exchange for Sean Anthony, Sean Manganti, and a future second-round pick.

Santos bid San Miguel goodbye after a successful 11-season run that saw him win nine titles with the storied franchise, including five straight Philippine Cup crowns.

He formed a formidable starting lineup with June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Marcio Lassiter as San Miguel captured 8 of the last 17 PBA championships.

An established clutch performer, Santos got named Finals MVP twice.

It was also during his stint with San Miguel when Santos clinched the 2013 PBA MVP award and two Best Player of the Conference plums.

Although already 40 years old, Santos continues to put up decent numbers after averaging 12.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in the previous Philippine Cup, where San Miguel reached the semifinals.

With the trade, San Miguel addressed concerns of an aging core by getting the 34-year-old Manuel.

Manuel averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in his lone conference with Phoenix. – Rappler.com