Matthew Wright set to leave Phoenix after six years

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the craftiest scorers the Phoenix Fuel Masters management ever signed will not be extending his stay with the team.

Matthew Wright, the former fourth overall pick during the 2016 PBA Rookie draft, announced on Instagram that he will be parting ways with the Phoenix management after six long years.

Wright’s contract expired at the end of this month in the midst of rumors that he is set to join the Japan B. League.

“It has been an unforgettable six years with the Fuel Masters. Thank you to all my coaches, teammates, ball boys and bosses for being a part of his chapter in my life. Most importantly thank you to all the fans who have supported me through thick and thin, I love you all,” posted Wright on his Instagram account.

During the past months, speculations were all over the PBA that Wright is only waiting for his contract to expire before flying to Japan to suit up under the Asian player quota.

However, Wright and his camp never said a word regarding the rumors and have kept their silence until now.

After Wright’s post, the Fuel Masters’ management also posted their statement and showed full support regarding his future basketball plans.

“The team is saddened to see its longest-tenured player go but at the same time grateful for all the blood, sweat, and tears he put into this franchise. We know that he will keep the Phoenix flame burning within him wherever he may go,” read Phoenix’s statement.

Wright will go down as one of the best players Phoenix signed into a multi-year contract and was a two-time PBA All-Star MVP, a Mythical First Team member once, and was also a member of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team.