Japanese point guard Yuki Kawamura has signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, capping off a strong showing in the 2025 NBA Summer League.
Shams Charania reported Saturday that the Bulls finalized the agreement with Kawamura’s representatives at Wasserman, securing the 5-foot-8 playmaker amid his push to stay in the league.
Kawamura, 24, spent last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he appeared in 22 games and averaged 1.6 points and 0.9 assists in limited minutes. He also made an impact in the G League, averaging 12.7 points and 8.5 assists per game over 31 contests.
After Memphis declined to extend a qualifying offer earlier this offseason, Kawamura became an unrestricted free agent and joined Chicago’s Summer League roster to showcase his ability.
In five Summer League games, he posted averages of 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, and shot 41.7% from three-point range, demonstrating his court vision and perimeter shooting.
Speaking with The Commercial Appeal during Summer League, Kawamura reflected on his time in Memphis, saying, “I miss Memphis, for sure. Memphis people are so nice. I wanted to play in Memphis this year, too, but it’s business. I’m satisfied right now. The Bulls organization is great. Good opportunity for me.”
Kawamura made headlines during his rookie campaign with the Grizzlies when he scored a career-high 10 points and handed out seven assists in a preseason win over the Indiana Pacers last October.
Chicago, in the midst of retooling its roster, views Kawamura as a creative facilitator who can contribute at the NBA level while continuing his development in the G League.
The deal also makes Kawamura one of only a few Japanese players to sign an NBA contract, joining a select group that includes Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe.
