One of the first key decisions of the Memphis Grizzlies offseason has been made. Forward Yuta Watanabe, who joined the team in February after a trade from the Phoenix Suns, is declining his $2.7 ...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe announces he won’t pick up his 2024-2025 player option, instead deciding to leave the NBA to play in his home country, Japan.

National Basketball Association player Yuta Watanabe announced April 20 he will return to Japan next year to play in the professional B. League. Watanabe, 29, played for the Memphis Grizzlies ...

joining Yuta Watanabe who played 38 games for the Grizzlies during his initial stint between 2018-19 to 2019-20. Watanabe returned to Memphis and played five games during the 2023-24 season.

Since adding guard Yuki Kawamura, the Memphis Grizzlies have seen a drastic rise in global fan support, especially in Japan.