Chicago Bulls Bring Back Yuki Kawamura on Two-Way Deal, Opening Path to NBA Minutes

The Chicago Bulls made a notable roster move on Tuesday, bringing back fan-favorite Yuki Kawamura on a two-way contract, signaling renewed optimism for the young guard and a potential spark for the organization’s backcourt.

Kawamura, a 24-year-old Japanese guard, first gained attention in the 2025 NBA Summer League, where he delivered a standout performance that suggested he could compete for meaningful minutes deep into the Bulls’ rotation. Over five Summer League games, Kawamura averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per contest, playing an average of 23.9 minutes per game. His vision, passing ability, and quick decision-making stood out, making him one of the most productive guards in the summer showcase.

Despite his Summer League success, Kawamura struggled to break into a crowded Chicago roster. The Bulls’ backcourt already featured established players such as Josh Giddey, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, and Jevon Carter, leaving little room for a rookie to earn consistent NBA minutes. As a result, Kawamura was waived prior to the start of the regular season.

Now, with roster adjustments underway, Kawamura has been given a second chance. The Bulls waived 6-foot-9 forward Trentyn Flowers to clear a spot, officially bringing Kawamura back on a two-way deal. The move allows him to split time between the Chicago Bulls and their G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, while earning an opportunity to make an impact at the NBA level for the first time this season.

Kawamura’s Previous NBA and G-League Experience

Kawamura is no stranger to professional basketball, having spent the 2024-25 season with the Memphis Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. With the Grizzlies, his NBA playing time was extremely limited, appearing in 22 games for just 4.2 minutes per contest, averaging 1.6 points and 0.9 assists.

However, his G-League performance told a different story. Kawamura averaged a double-double with 13.7 points and 10.7 assists per game, showcasing his ability to orchestrate an offense, create scoring opportunities, and manage games at a professional level. His sharp passing, three-point shooting, and defensive instincts make him a unique prospect, especially considering his 5-foot-7 frame. Analysts have noted that Kawamura plays well “bigger than his size,” leveraging intelligence, speed, and anticipation to make a tangible impact on both ends of the floor.

Kawamura’s journey underscores the value of the G-League and two-way contracts as developmental pathways for international and undrafted players. While NBA minutes have been scarce in his career so far, Chicago’s roster circumstances may provide the opportunity for him to demonstrate his talent at the highest level.

Opportunity Arises Amid Bulls Injuries

The timing of Kawamura’s return could not be better for the Bulls, as the team faces injury-related challenges in its backcourt. Josh Giddey remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Coby White has been listed as questionable for Chicago’s upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons.

These absences create an opening for Kawamura to step into NBA minutes sooner than expected, potentially seeing action in Wednesday’s matchup against the Pistons and Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat, the second night of a back-to-back. For Kawamura, these games could serve as a proving ground, giving him a chance to showcase the skills that earned him recognition in Summer League and the G-League.

Impact for the Bulls

Kawamura brings a combination of floor-spacing ability, playmaking, and defensive energy that the Bulls could leverage immediately. His presence gives the coaching staff, led by Billy Donovan, additional flexibility in rotations, particularly if injuries continue to affect Chicago’s veteran guards.

For the Windy City Bulls, Kawamura’s return strengthens the G-League affiliate’s backcourt, ensuring that the organization continues to develop talent with NBA-ready skills. Success at both levels could translate into a more permanent role for Kawamura on the main roster, as the Bulls evaluate roster moves ahead of the 2026 trade deadline and potential playoff push.

Moreover, Kawamura’s journey serves as inspiration for international players aiming to transition from overseas or developmental leagues into the NBA. Standing at 5-foot-7, he has repeatedly defied expectations with his vision, quickness, and intelligence, proving that height is not always a limitation when paired with skill and determination.

Looking Ahead

As Kawamura prepares to suit up for Chicago, the eyes of fans and analysts will be on his first NBA minutes of the 2025-26 season. His ability to perform against Detroit and Miami could set the tone for his role moving forward, while also giving the Bulls a boost in depth and playmaking ability at a crucial stage of the season.

With injuries impacting Chicago’s rotation, Kawamura’s timing could not be more fortuitous. The combination of NBA exposure and G-League development positions him as a player to watch, both for the Bulls’ immediate needs and their long-term strategy for cultivating young talent.

In bringing Kawamura back, the Bulls are making a clear statement: talent and potential will be rewarded, and even undrafted or undersized players can make their mark with the right opportunity. For fans, it’s a chance to see a dynamic, hard-working guard finally take his shot at NBA relevance.