The Bulls have signed guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract, according to a team press release. In a corresponding move, Chicago has waived Trentyn Flowers.
The Bulls essentially flipped their script from October when they waived Kawamura to sign Flowers to a two-way deal. Kawamura was released due to a medical condition, as he experienced right lower leg pain after appearing in two preseason games.
Kawamura stayed in Chicago rehabbing and told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network (Twitter link) at a recent game, “I’ll be back soon.”
The 5’8” Kawamura was a star in Japan before signing an Exhibit 10 deal with Memphis last fall. He was promoted to a two-way contract just before the ’24/25 season began and spent his NBA rookie year with the Grizzlies, playing a modest role in 22 games (4.2 MPG).
The 24-year-old received extended run with the Memphis Hustle, averaging 12.7 PPG, 8.5 APG, 3.1 RPG and 1.0 SPG on .383/.365/.761 shooting in 31 games (31.6 MPG). The Grizzlies didn’t give him a qualifying offer though, and he was an unrestricted free agent for a few weeks prior to impressing with the Bulls’ Summer League team, earning himself a two-way deal.
Kawamura has been a member of the Japanese National Team since 2021/22.
Flowers played in two games with the Bulls, averaging 2.0 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 2.8 minutes per night. Flowers also suited up in three G League regular season contests for Chicago’s affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, and averaged 8.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 2.7 APG in 27.7 MPG. Prior to the start of the G League regular season, Flowers played in 11 games with Windy City during the G League Tip-Off Tournament (13.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG and 1.1 BPG).
Emanuel Miller and Lachlan Olbrich hold the Bulls’ two other two-way deals.
I like Kawa. He can run an offense and has Great playmakinG ability. Not the best “on ball” defender because of size but definitely has sticky hands, can disrupt on defense.
Someone should sign Flowers
yeah, like maybe an NCAA team?
I’ll never understand how these small guards get into the league, if you’re a complete liability on defense, wouldn’t you need to at least be near elite on offense to balance/offset that defensive liability?? His 2pt FG% is awfully low
I liked this guy a lot during summer leauge. His wife and family sat behind me holding up the Japanese flag everytime he was in the game.