From fan favorite to second chance, Yuki Kawamura’s NBA dream is still alive — and headed to Chicago.
The Japanese guard has landed a spot on the Chicago Bulls’ NBA Summer League roster, giving him another shot to earn a contract ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Your 2025 Summer League Bulls 🃏
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 3, 2025
Kawamura became an unrestricted free agent after the Grizzlies declined to make a qualifying offer, ending a year-long stint where he split time between the Grizzlies and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
While his NBA numbers were modest — 1.6 points and 0.9 assists in 22 appearances — Kawamura showed flashes of promise, most notably in the regular-season finale when he scored a career-high 12 points in a blowout win over the Dallas Mavericks.
His best work, however, came in the G League, where he averaged 12.4 points and 7.8 assists over 24 games, showcasing the creative passing and fearless court vision that made him a standout in Japan’s B.League.
Kawamura first made waves with the Yokohama B-Corsairs, earning 2023 B.League Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, then leading the league in assists the following season before making the jump to the NBA.
[ALSO READ: Yuki Kawamura earns NBA Two-Way Contract with Memphis Grizzlies]
Despite his size — he was the shortest player in the league this past season at 5-foot-8 — Kawamura quickly won over Memphis fans. His departure even drew a reaction from former superstar teammateJa Morant, who shared a heartfelt message to his former teammate.
yukiX12 dont die
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 3, 2025
The Bulls’ Summer League campaign begins July 10 in Las Vegas, and Kawamura is expected to compete for a training camp invite or potential two-way slot.
