James Yap’s current contract with the Rain or Shine (ROS) Elasto Painters has reached its conclusion for now.

The two-time PBA MVP did not see action during the Painters’ quarterfinals defeat against the San Miguel Beermen on January 19, a game that could have been his last donning ROS’ colors.

When asked about his future with the team, or if he is mulling retirement, the seven-time league champion offered a simple response.

“Wala pa.”

“Retirement? Wala pa,” he added.

Yap, who has only averaged five points and one rebound in limited appearances for Yeng Guiao’s team, signed a one-conference deal with them ahead of the 2023-2024 Commissioner’s Cup last September.

On the other hand, in a separate interview, Guiao had similar sentiments on Yap’s situation with the team.

“Wala pa naman, kasi ‘yung level ng usapan kay James, nasa management ‘yun. Hindi naman sa ‘kin natatapos ‘yun. We will see what happens, but I would have to defer to our bosses regarding James’ situation,” the PBA champion coach explained.

Guiao said he is open if the former Purefoods star opts to resign with ROS.

“Oo naman, wala namang problema,” he said.

“‘Yung All-Filipino naman, mas less complicated pagdating sa rotation ng tao. At saka siya, kabisado niya ‘yung All-Filipino. So sa ‘kin, it will be the management’s decision,” he added.

However, he is aware that there are things to be sorted out if he is to return.

“Ang problema doon, you will have to choose between giving that slot to a younger guy, or you will give it to him and expect him to produce,” the former NLEX Road Warriors coach said.

“Hindi mo naman ibibigay ‘yung slot na ‘yan kung wala kang expectations na magko-contribute,” he said.

“It’s also something na we have to evaluate. ‘Yung bang iko-contribute niya, mas higit ba ‘yun kaysa sa ibibigay mo na opportunities para sa mga bata to improve?”

“There’s a tug-of-war there. Saang side ka magde-decide?” Guiao concluded.  (ABS-CBN News)