By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense James Yap has parted ways with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for over seven years since he arrived to the squad via a blockbuster trade from his former team, the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.

In a social media post on Monday afternoon, January 29, the two-time PBA MVP winner expressed gratitude to the Painters’ management for his time with the franchise, as well as to Rain or Shine supporters.

“I have truly appreciated all those who have supported me during this time, and thank you for making me part of your family for seven years,” the Negros Occidental’s Escalante City-native said.

“I also want to extend my gratitude to the team’s management for graciously approving my request for release, and allowing me to move forward to begin the next chapter in my life,” Yap added.

Yap, who was traded to the Elasto Painters in 2016 for Paul Lee, had a 12-season stint with the Magnolia/Purefoods franchise, winning seven PBA titles, including the 2014 Grand Slam.

It was the Painters which first announced the departure of Yap from the squad following the expiration of his one-conference contract in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“From his early days with Welcoat in the PBL to becoming an integral part of the Rain or Shine family in the PBA, James Yap has left an indelible mark on our franchise,” the Painters said.

“We look forward to the legacy you will continue to build in the next games of your life. A million thanks is not enough to express our gratitude,” the team added on their social media post.

In his final conference with the Painters, Yap only appeared in three games during their 112-111 victory over the Converge FiberXers, as the Negrense gunner finished with nine points.

There is no clear destination where Yap is headed next, but according to reports, he has offers from other PBA teams, from squads in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, and from Japan B.League teams./ASC, WDJ