TWO stunning trades in one day had Rain or Shine welcoming two star players back to its fold.
James Yap and Jay Washington were acquired by the Elasto Painters in separate trade transactions pulled off hours apart that saw the team let go of longtime mainstays Paul Lee and JR Quinahan.
RoS co-wner Raymund Yu said it's definitely a homecoming of sort for both Washington and Yap, who both suited up for the franchise during its stint with the defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL).
“Nagbabalikan yung mga players namin,” said Yu shortly after the Yap-for-Lee trade went viral on social media.
[See James Yap traded to RoS for Paul Lee in blockbuster deal]
Yu was happy to see Yap, 34, play for the Welbest franchise anew in what he hopes would be the final team of the two-time league MVP before he decides to hang his sneakers.
“He has come full circle with us,” said the Rain or Shine executive. “Hopefully, he would retire with the Rain or Shine team.”
Yap played for one conference with Welcoat before applying for the 2004 Rookie Draft. The Painters however, lost to PJ Simon and Fash Team in the finals.
Unlike Yap, Washington won a championship with Welcoat prior to turning pro in 2005.
[See Rain or Shine trades JR Quinahan to GlobalPort for Jaywash]
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