Yuta Watanabe Intends To Play In Japan Next Season

[RealGM Wiretap]

Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe took to Instagram Live to share his plans for next season. Watanabe said he's leaving the NBA to return home to play in his native Japan.

Watanabe said there are many factors in his decision, including it being best for his mental health. There were no indications of what team he intends to play for. Watanabe is also expected to play for Japan at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The 6-foot-9 forward has a $2.6 million player option with the Grizzlies for next season, which it appears that he'll decline. Watanabe was acquired by Memphis from the Phoenix Suns in a trade deadline deal. In total, Watanabe has appeared in 213 regular season NBA games over six seasons with the Grizzlies, Suns, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.

Via Keith Smith/Spotrac

[chilluminati]

Definitely understand. He's been riding KD teams and now bouncing around for a few years now so he's accumulated a bit of wealth. I'd rather go home with some money than be tossed around to a new city in a foreign country every 6 months.

[Indeed]

Definitely understand. He's been riding KD teams and now bouncing around for a few years now so he's accumulated a bit of wealth. I'd rather go home with some money than be tossed around to a new city in a foreign country every 6 months.

He probably makes much more in Japan, particularly with advertisement income.

[WillGraham]

Japan is not perfect. But man is it better than pretty much any other western country. His USD will go far there, and I’m sure as he mentioned his mental health, living in that culture will heal. Quality of life richness is waiting for him.

[Jabroni Lames]

Because Europe and China said no.

[TMac Culloch]

Had minutes up for Grabs in Pho and didnt play in Memphis with them normally having 7 players available

won't be missed!