NBA update: Yuki Kawamura returns to Chicago Bulls as Japanese sensation boosts team's guard depth after brave Olympic rise

The Japanese sensation will be joining the team on a two-way contract, the organization announced on Tuesday. Trentyn Flowers has been dismissed by the Bulls to create space. Kawamura is a crucial addition to the Bulls' point guard depth after Josh Giddey's protracted hamstring injury.

Less than three months have passed since Kawamura was waived by the organization owing to a medical ailment. Kawamura, a product of Japan, initially joined the Bulls for the 2025 Summer League before making his NBA debut with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024–2025. He earned one of the team's three two-way contracts after putting up a compelling demonstration in Las Vegas.

Yuki Kawamura returns as lively two-way guard to boost Chicago Bulls depth after Josh Giddey injury buzz

Yuki Kawamura will be re-signed by the Chicago Bulls. Kawamura, who averaged 20.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds for Japan at the Olympics, signed a two-way contract with the Bulls, who in a related move dismissed forward Trentyn Flowers.

Kawamura is making his way back to the Windy City with this. He first secured a two-way contract following an outstanding Summer League performance in 2025. However, he was released in October of last year due to an injury to his right lower leg.




To make room for Kawamura, Bulls PR announced that forward Trentyn Flowers had been dismissed. Shortly after being dismissed by the Los Angeles Clippers, Flowers replaced Kawamura in October. Strangely, NCAA programs have recently expressed interest in Flowers as well.

Universities have reportedly been looking for a way to attract players like Flowers who have chosen to forego college and play abroad before going undrafted in 2024. The 24-year-old Kawamura played his first NBA season on a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Throughout 2024–2025, he had 22 appearances and averaged a respectable 4.2 minutes per game.

Kawamura is a well-known fan favorite who prominently represents the Japanese basketball team. He contributed to his country's successful 2023 FIBA World Cup run and its pivotal participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Yuki Kawamura adds crucial Japanese spark to Bulls depth as fan favorite guard returns to Chicago

Before getting hurt, Kawamura played in two of Chicago's preseason games. He averaged 3.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 2025. He finished those two games with a total of six points, eight assists, and eight rebounds. Kawamura averaged 1.6 points as a reserve in 22 Memphis games during the previous campaign.

Beginning at age 18, Kawamura played in the Japanese B League for five seasons, averaging 16.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. In 2023, he was named the Most Valuable Player. The Bulls are now ranked ninth in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 17-19 record.

Although it's unclear how healthy Yuki Kawamura is, it is reasonable to infer that the Chicago Bulls would not have taken this action if Kawamura wasn't prepared to return. For the record, Hoffman Estates will host the Windy City Bulls' next three games. They will play the Delaware Blue Coats on Thursday night.


Also read: When did Derrick Rose retire? Chicago Bulls announce retirement of the NBA legend's No. 1 jersey to honor their former MVP



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