Yuki Kawamura Cut by Clippers, Headed to G League

Yuki Kawamura will have to continue waiting for his NBA opportunity. The LA Clippers announced on social media that they are parting ways with the Japanese point guard, who had signed an Exhibit 10 contract in August after spending the summer in the Summer League with the Indiana Pacers. If no team claims him in the coming days, he is expected to continue with the organization through the San Diego Clippers, their G League affiliate. This type of contract is designed precisely to facilitate that transition.

During the preseason, he had little time to make an impression, though he made the most of his opportunities. He played four minutes in the first game against the Warriors in Hawaii, and over the weekend he posted 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, 4 assists and 2 steals in 14 minutes in a loss to the Toronto Raptors (114-106). It was not enough to secure one of the roster spots.

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Kawamura has become one of the most beloved players among fans since making the jump to the NBA. His outstanding performance with Japan at the Paris Olympics opened the door for him with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024-25. Last season he spent with the Chicago Bulls on a two-way contract: he started with a blood clot in his leg that caused him to miss the start of the season and, once recovered, played 18 games, averaging 3.4 points and 2.6 assists in 11.6 minutes. In the G League with the Windy City Bulls, he showed a different side: 18.7 points and 11 assists in 11 games.

That dual performance sums up his situation. In the development league he is a dominant point guard; in the NBA, his 5'8" frame continues to be the major barrier to finding playing time. San Diego could be the place where he continues waiting for his opportunity.