Yuki Kawamura, the 24-year-old Japanese basketball player known for his height disadvantage and remarkable skill, has officially bid goodbye to the Memphis Grizzlies after becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. Despite standing only 5-foot-8, Kawamura has earned a reputation as a ‘cult hero’ for his electrifying style of play and resilience on a court dominated by taller stars. While his time with Memphis drew strong fan support, recent developments indicate that Kawamura is set to take his talents to the Chicago Bulls for the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA 2K26 Summer League, presenting him with new opportunities and challenges.

Kawamura shared an emotional tribute to his former team on Instagram, posting a photo featuring his Memphis jersey with the caption:

All love Memphis (Bear emoji) Good grizz and see you soon (folded hands emoji)

. Before this post, Ja Morant, Memphis’s star guard and Kawamura’s close teammate, also expressed his feelings on X by simply writing

yukiX12 dont die

, demonstrating the deep bond between them.

Yuki Kawamura’s Role and Performance with Memphis

Kawamura’s journey with the Grizzlies saw him play 22 NBA games during the 2024-25 season, alongside 24 additional appearances for the Memphis Hustle, the team’s G League affiliate. Although his presence sparked a dedicated following, the Grizzlies opted not to extend a qualifying offer, making Kawamura a free agent. This move opens doors for him in Chicago, where the Bulls offer a chance to secure either a full NBA contract or a two-way deal, possibly refueling Kawamura’s path to a more prominent role.

At Chicago, competition will be fierce, as the Bulls Summer League roster features promising players including Emmanuel Miller, Jahmir Young, and Josh Primo. Kawamura will need to demonstrate consistent skill and determination on the court to earn time and influence. His unique fan base and reputation for perseverance, however, could tip the scales in his favor at the Las Vegas Summer League showcase.

The Close Link Between Kawamura and Ja Morant

Beyond basketball, Kawamura and Morant developed a brotherly relationship marked by mentorship and camaraderie during their time together in Memphis. Kawamura described Morant as a guiding figure who not only improved his basketball abilities but also helped him learn English, albeit sometimes with an amusing twist:

Ja Morant is like my big brother. He teaches me basketball skills and English. Well, sometimes he teaches me bad slang

. Kawamura added,

I’m not sure if you can use this, but things like ‘type s—.’ Yeah, ‘type s—.’

In turn, Kawamura introduced the Memphis team to Japanese snacks, which became favorites among teammates.

Ja really likes Poifull jelly beans

, Kawamura explained, continuing,

So he eats Poifull a lot. But Scotty Pippen Jr. really loves the chocolate Kinoko-no-Yama. Our lockers are right next to each other, so he steals them from my locker a lot.

This blend of cultural exchange and friendship created a lighthearted atmosphere within the team, something Morant acknowledged in a 2024 interview:

A lot of stuff he learns and he just say and it don’t be at the right moment. But aye man, it’s Yuki. It’s his world and we’re just living in it. He just brings a light and joy to the team. Just making sure he’s as comfortable as possible. Just making sure that he’s being him, and he ain’t shying away from it at all.

Other players admired their friendship as well. Brandon Clarke commented,

It’s funny to watch, they seem like two little buddies. I like to watch them. Feels like it’s two sides colliding.

What Lies Ahead for Yuki Kawamura with the Bulls

As Kawamura prepares to join the Chicago Bulls for the Summer League, his outlook is cautiously hopeful. The move offers a fresh start and a chance to prove his value in a different environment, but the player’s relatively short stature and new competition underscore the challenges ahead. With notable names like Jahmir Young and Josh Primo also aiming to make their mark, Kawamura’s perseverance and unique style will be tested once more.

The strong fan support Kawamura amassed in Memphis and beyond could be advantageous, potentially providing added motivation as he adapts to new teammates and systems. If his tenure with the Bulls does not unfold as hoped, there remains a possibility that he could return to Memphis, where his connection with Morant and others has already made a lasting impact.

In any case, Kawamura’s journey—marked by resilience, skill, and cultural bridges—continues to inspire. His story resonates as one of underdog determination in the NBA, reminding fans and players alike that size does not define a player’s heart or potential.