Rain or Shine and James Yap have mutually decided to part ways, ending the seven-year tenure of the veteran guard with the Welcoat franchise where his career also began during his amateur days.

The Elasto Painters formally made the announcement through their social media accounts on Monday, Jan 29, following a meeting between Yap, team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and team owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que.

According to reliable sources, Rain or Shine and Yap parted ways amicably with the veteran guard even expressing his gratitude to the Elasto Painters for taking good care of him during his time with the team.

The team owners, likewise, expressed well wishes for Yap who is looking for a fitting last dance to his colorful career.

Yap, who was reunited with the ROS franchise in 2016 following a blockbuster trade that involved Paul Lee, got his release from the Elasto Painters after his one-conference contract expired at the end of the 2023-’23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The seven-time PBA champion saw some career resurgence with the Elasto Painters in his first few years with the team, helping Rain or Shine reach the playoffs for the first time under then-head coach Caloy Garcia back in 2019.

Yap then decided to enter politics in 2021, forcing him to go on a leave of absence in Rain or Shine before making his return and signing a once-conference deal last year. He was, however, sparingly used by head coach Yeng Guiao who opted to give the minutes to the team’s young guns.

Yap is rumored to be looking at a possible return to Magnolia to end his career while teams like NLEX and Blackwater also expressed interest in signing the two-time league MVP.