Yuki Kawamura Reportedly Agrees to 2-Way Deal With Chicago Bulls

Yuki Kawamura, the shortest player in the NBA at 5-foot-8, reportedly agreed to a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Read on for further details surrounding Kawamura’s newest contract as an NBA point guard.

Yuki Kawamura Agrees to 2-Way Deal With Chicago Bulls

ESPN’s Shams Charania posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. Bulls finalized the deal with Kawamura’s agents at Wasserman to sign the 5-foot-8 point guard amid a strong summer league.”

Charania’s post drew attention to Kawamura, 24, and Kawamura’s play. One user wrote, “If you’ve watched him hoop, you’d know he deserves a rotation spot,” while another user responded, “This is an electric rotational player who shouldn’t be treated like a borderline NBA player or a 3rd stringer — complete waste of talent.”

Last season, Kawamura averaged 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. Kawamura also shot 36.7% from the field, 30.4% from the three-point line, and 77.8% from the free throw line.

Kawamura’s Professional Basketball Career

Yuki Kawamura’s professional basketball career started with a 2020 stint with San-en NeoPhoenix, where he became the youngest player in B. League history at only 18 years old, in his home country of Japan.

Kawamura, a Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan native, moved to Yokohama, JP, to join the Yokohama B-Corsairs — under special designation. He enrolled in Tokai University. Kawamura’s four-year tenure with the B-Corsairs included a B. League MVP award, a B. League Rookie of the Year title, and a B. League Best Five team appearance.

Kawamura went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but signed with the Memphis Grizzlies on September 6, 2024. Kawamura’s training camp deal converted into a two-way contract on October 19, 2024. He scored a career-high 10 points and added 7 assists in a 120-116 win against the Indiana Pacers on October 14, 2024.

Final Thoughts

Yuki Kawamura’s signing with the Chicago Bulls is quite significant as it shows the Bulls’ commitment to nurturing talent and diversifying their roster. Kawamura can help the Bulls by providing a playmaking presence on the court. Kawamura’s ability to facilitate the game, especially in the pick-and-roll, is a valuable quality. Kawamura’s passing skills and on-court energy can continue to make a difference.