Yuta Watanabe declines player option with Grizzlies. What does it mean for Memphis?

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 million player option for the 2024-25 season and electing to play in his native country of Japan, he announced on Friday. Watanabe cited that he wants to just enjoy basketball now after grinding through his 20s.

"My goal through my 20s was to keep working in America, regardless of the situation," Watanabe said in an Instagram Live video. "Never give up, no matter what. It was fun at times but also a lot of hard work."

Watanabe, 29, played five games with the Grizzlies in what was his second stint with the team. He last played on March 1 before missing the remainder of the season due to injuries and personal reasons.

Watanabe's decision allows him to go back home while giving the Grizzlies more flexibility and direction on their offseason approach.

What Yuta Watanabe's decision means

Memphis ended its season with only one player on the 15-man roster scheduled to hit free agency (Lamar Stevens). Watanabe had a player option, and Luke Kennard's team option was the only other remaining piece to determine how much Memphis can do without affecting other assets.

Watanabe played most of his minutes at small forward, which is easily the deepest position on the Grizzlies roster. Ziaire Williams, John Konchar, Jake LaRavia, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson all spent a lot of minutes playing small forward this past season. Watanabe's shooting ability was enticing, but the Grizzlies needed to part ways with at least one player from this overcrowded group.

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How Grizzlies can take advantage

Memphis now has two open rosters, which is a big difference from one. The Grizzlies have a top-10 lottery selection for the 2024 NBA Draft. If Memphis keeps the pick, that player will automatically be given a guaranteed contract. If Watanabe decided to pick up his option, the first-round pick would have occupied the Grizzlies' last open spot before trades or potential cuts.

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Now, the Grizzlies have at least a little breathing room to add two impact players. It's clear the Grizzlies will add a big man. Targeting a veteran center and using the first-round pick on the best player available feels like the best option, whether that's another big man or one of the talented guards near the top of mock drafts.

Ultimately, how the draft board shapes up will map out the Grizzlies' plans, but Watanabe's decision provides more clarity.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Yuta Watanabe declines player option with Memphis Grizzlies