The Chicago Bulls made an emotional and difficult decision on October 17, 2025. Rising Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura was waived after being diagnosed with a medical condition in his right lower leg, which caused persistent pain since early preseason. It’s a heartbreaking turn for a player who had just begun to capture the attention and admiration of Chicago fans.
Kawamura had signed a two-way contract with the Bulls in July 2025 after his standout performances in the NBA Summer League. There, he averaged 10.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, earning praise for his quickness, leadership, and unselfish playmaking. His energy on the floor and humble character made him an instant fan favorite, particularly among Japanese supporters who followed his dream of succeeding in the NBA.
However, as training camp unfolded, Kawamura began experiencing pain in his right leg that refused to fade. Despite rest and treatment, his condition limited his availability and made it impossible to participate fully in practices or preseason games. For a player on a two-way contract, every opportunity matters and with the Bulls facing roster constraints, the franchise was forced to make a painful decision.
The announcement of Kawamura’s release came as a shock to many. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, thanking him for bringing passion and heart to the court, even in limited minutes. For a 5-foot-8 guard who had already defied expectations, this setback felt deeply personal. Yet those who know Kawamura’s journey understand that he has overcome far greater odds.
From Japan to Chicago: A Journey of Determination
Kawamura’s rise to the NBA was no small feat. Coming from Japan’s B.League, he built his reputation as a sharp passer and floor general with excellent court vision. His performances for the Japanese national team, especially during the 2024 FIBA World Cup, showcased his skill and poise against elite competition. Scouts and fans alike admired his leadership and relentless drive, qualities that would eventually earn him a chance with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2024–25 NBA season.
Though his NBA minutes were limited, Kawamura made the most of them. With Memphis, he appeared in 22 games, averaging 1.6 points, 0.9 assists, and 0.55 rebounds in 4.2 minutes per game, shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three-point range. Those numbers may seem small, but for Kawamura, they represented a foothold in the world’s toughest basketball league. Every possession was a statement of belonging.
When the Bulls signed him in the summer of 2025, the excitement was palpable. Chicago fans embraced his story of persistence, while Japanese fans saw him as a symbol of national pride. His blend of quickness, intelligence, and humility fit perfectly with the Bulls’ culture a team rebuilding with heart, effort, and determination.
The Pain That Changed Everything
During the preseason, whispers began to surface that Kawamura was dealing with discomfort in his right leg. What seemed minor at first gradually became more serious. By early October, the pain had grown significant enough to sideline him completely. The Bulls medical staff conducted evaluations and determined that the injury required extended recovery time, making it impossible for him to continue competing in the near term.
Faced with limited roster flexibility, the Bulls made the difficult call to waive Kawamura. In his place, the team signed Trentyn Flowers to fill the open two-way slot. The decision was purely medical not a reflection of Kawamura’s talent or character. In fact, Bulls insiders have spoken highly of his professionalism, resilience, and the respect he earned in a short time with the team.
More Than a Player: A Cultural Bridge
Yuki Kawamura’s journey represents more than statistics or contracts. He stands as a cultural bridge between Japanese basketball and the global stage of the NBA. Following in the footsteps of players like Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe, he has inspired a new generation of Japanese athletes to dream beyond their borders.
His time in Chicago, though brief, symbolized something powerful the belief that determination can break barriers. The fan response in both Japan and the United States reflects that impact. Messages of encouragement continue to pour in, reminding the basketball world that this is only one chapter in a much larger story.
What’s Next for Kawamura
For now, the priority is health. Kawamura will focus on recovery and rehabilitation before deciding his next move. At only 24 years old, time is still on his side. His skill set speed, court awareness, and a natural playmaking instinct — ensures that once he’s healthy, opportunities will come again. Whether that path leads him back to the NBA, the G League, or an international stage, Kawamura’s determination remains unchanged.
In a league filled with towering athletes, Yuki Kawamura has always stood tall through heart and effort. His story reminds us that greatness is not measured only by height or statistics but by spirit and perseverance.
A Farewell That Feels Like a Pause
When the Bulls announced his waiver, many fans felt it wasn’t truly goodbye just an intermission. Chicago will remember his spark, his work ethic, and his unwavering positivity. Those who saw him play know he gave everything, every time.
Kawamura’s next step may still be uncertain, but one thing is clear: he has already made history. His courage to chase his dream across continents has inspired thousands. For every young player watching from a small gym in Japan, Yuki’s story stands as proof that dreams, though sometimes delayed, never truly end.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bulls’ decision to waive Yuki Kawamura was guided by necessity, but the emotion surrounding it speaks volumes about his character and impact. Injuries can pause a career, but they cannot erase passion. Kawamura’s journey from Japan’s B.League to the NBA has already changed perceptions of what’s possible for international guards.
This chapter may close with pain, but the next one will open with resilience. For Yuki Kawamura, the dream continues, and fans on both sides of the Pacific are waiting for his return to the court, stronger than ever.
