Announcing via Instagram Live, former Phoenix Sun Yuta Watanabe revealed his decision to return to Japan in the 2024-2025 season, bringing an end to his six-year tenure in the NBA.
Reflecting on his past decade at the age of 30, Watanabe recounted his relentless pursuit of success in the NBA and the personal pact he made to overcome any challenges during his 20s while in America.
Watanabe openly shared the challenges he faced during his time in the States, particularly the daily stress of non-guaranteed contracts. Despite these obstacles, he persisted, eventually securing a coveted guaranteed contract with the Suns last season.
However, his journey took an unexpected turn with a trade from Phoenix to Memphis, catching him off guard as the Suns opted to part ways with him at the trade deadline. Before the trade, Watanabe’s playing time was limited, averaging just 12.3 minutes per game.
The stress accumulated over the years manifesting in physical symptoms, leading to pre-game episodes where his muscles would seize up, a stark indication of the toll his 20s had taken on him. Now, as he turns 30, Watanabe sees it as a turning point, an opportunity to shed the weight of past struggles and rediscover the joy of playing basketball.
Looking ahead, Yuta expresses excitement about representing Japan in the Olympics, viewing it as a fresh start and a chance to embrace the sport with a newfound sense of freedom.
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