The Los Angeles Clippers made a small move late in the offseason by signing Yuki Kawamura on an Exhibit 10 contract that should give the Clippers some more flexibility for the remainder of their roster while also giving Kawamura another chance at sticking around in the NBA.
By signing Kawamura to an Exhibit 10 contract, which is a special form of NBA contract that signs a player to one-year, non-guaranteed contract for a minimum salary that also allows the Clippers to protect their G-League rights to Kawamura while also allowing the Clippers to invite said player to training camp.
It comes with an optional bonus of up to $750,000 should Kawamura spend at least 60 days with the Clippers’ G-League affiliate if the Clippers waive Kawamura after training camp.
Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) dribbles as Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura (8) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
It’s ultimately a small move for the Clippers and one that adds another potential option to support a growing core of guards that the Clippers have been accumulating.
Kawamura has had a somewhat tumultuous journey through the NBA. After coming over from playing in Japan in 2024, when he signed a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, and has since stayed in the NBA through a series of two-way contracts first with the Grizzlies, then the Chicago Bulls in 2025-26, where he particularly impressed during the 2025 Summer League for the Bulls, and now finally he has another chance with the Clippers.
Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura (8) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Sharife Cooper (13) looks on in the second half at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
In his brief time at the NBA level, Kawamura admittedly hasn’t had much of an opportunity to show the full extent of his skills, but with the Bulls last season Kawamura averaged 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 11.6 minutes per game, but Kawamura’s potential is that of an athletic guard with the potential to push the pace of the floor.
Ultimately, he’s a good piece for the Clippers to have in their back pocket and should he impress in training camp ahead of the season, he could very well earn his chance to play at the NBA level once again and be a useful player for the Clippers to have in their rebuilt franchise.
Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura (8) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at United Center. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
It’s a small move, but one that doesn’t cost the Clippers much while potentially gaining them yet another impactful guard.
It will be up to Kawamura to make a name for himself in training camp if he wants to land himself a spot on the roster by Opening Day but even if he ends up being waived and landing in the G-League, there’s still an avenue for him to work his way back up to Los Angeles.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
