PHOENIX AWAITS WRIGHT DECISION
The clock is ticking down but Phoenix is still eager to re-sign Matthew Wright for a fresh deal in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Fuel Masters team manager Paolo Bugia said they are still keeping their fingers crossed that Wright would agree to an extension despite numerous juicy offers to play abroad.
According to Bugia, they have already dangled an offer and they are racing against time as Wright’s contract is set to expire in August.
“We have an offer so we are still waiting if he is going to accept or not. He’s gonna get back to us, that’s where we are at this point,” Bugia told Daily Tribune yesterday. Wright has been the team’s cornerstone since joining the league in 2016.
His performance attracted interest from other teams abroad, opening the possibility that he might join the influx of Filipino players in the Japanese B.League next season.
Although Phoenix failed to reach the playoffs with a 3-8 card, the 6-foot-4 sniper remained impressive, averaging 15 points, 5.9 assists and five rebounds in 10 games.
Aside from his current team, Blackwater had already confirmed its interest in making a trade proposal to get Wright.
Bossing head coach Ariel Vanguardia said Wright’s presence with the team will be a big help on their goal of turning their hopes around.
Blackwater reached the playoffs for the first time since 2019 but eventually bowed to San Miguel Beer, 123-93, in the quarterfinals late Wednesday.
“Of course who wouldn’t want him? But we know that would depend on his mother team if they’re willing to select anyone from us,” Vanguardia said.
“Some say he’s headed to Japan but of course we want to have a caliber player like him.”