Japanese Talent Reshapes Clippers Roster Ahead of Training Camp
Yuki Kawamura, the Japanese guard who last appeared for the Chicago Bulls, has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract that will bring him to the Los Angeles Clippers for the upcoming training camp. The deal marks his third stint in the NBA after stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Indiana Pacers, where he logged modest numbers of 1.6 points and 0.9 assists per game in just 4.2 minutes of play. Kawamura entered the league on a two‑way contract with the Grizzlies before moving to the Pacers for Summer League action, where he dished out 12 assists in the final game of the tournament.
The Clippers also announced the acquisition of forward Rui Hachimura, who inked a two‑year, $28 million contract after his previous agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers expired. Hachimura, a fellow Japanese national, brings a blend of size and shooting skill that the club hopes will bolster its frontcourt depth as it looks to contend in the Western Conference.
Both signings underscore the NBA’s continued focus on expanding its international footprint, with Japan emerging as a steady source of talent. Kawamura’s return to the league follows a period of unrestricted free agency after his stint with the Bulls, while Hachimura’s move reflects a strategic investment in a player who has already proven his ability to adapt to the league’s pace.
The transactions come as the Clippers prepare for a grueling training camp in Los Angeles, a city that serves as a hub for the team’s operations and a gateway to the Pacific Rim. Observers note that the presence of two Japanese players could attract a broader fan base across Asia, further cementing the franchise’s global ambitions.