Yuta Watanabe, a six-year NBA veteran, has announced his retirement from the league to continue his basketball career in Japan. His decision comes after a challenging year split between the Suns and the Grizzlies. Watanabe conveyed his choice through an Instagram Live video, expressing gratitude for his time in the NBA in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter). He will have the opportunity to represent Japan in the 2024 Paris Olympics before returning to Japan's B League. Watanabe's NBA career included stints with the Grizzlies, Raptors, Nets, and Suns, totaling 213 games and nine starts. His career averages are 4.2 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 42.6% from the field, 37.0% from 3-point range, and 67.5% from the free-throw line.

By the Numbers
  • 213 NBA games played
  • 9 starts in the NBA
  • Career average of 4.2 points per game
  • Career average of 2.3 rebounds per game
  • 42.6% field goal shooting
  • 37.0% 3-point shooting
  • 67.5% free-throw shooting
State of Play
  • Yuta Watanabe has retired from the NBA after a six-year career
  • He will return to Japan to continue his basketball career
  • Watanabe has a $2.7 million player option in his contract for the 2024-25 season
Bottom Line

Yuta Watanabe's retirement from the NBA marks a transition to continuing his basketball journey in Japan after a notable six-year career in the league, leaving behind a legacy of determination and international representation.