Story by
Clippers Cut Ties With Point Guard Just Before Start of Season
- Story by
- Clippers Cut Ties With Point Guard Just Before Start of Season
The Los Angeles Clippers waived point guard Yuki Kawamura with less than a week until their first game of the regular season against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 21.
The Clippers signed Kawamura to an Exhibit 10 contract after he failed to make the cut for the Indiana Pacers' Summer League team. He had a solid showing in his sole appearance for the Clippers, a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors, during which he played 14 minutes while scoring 10 points with four assists and two steals on 755 shooting.
Advertisement
Kawamura was the shortest player in the NBA last season, and he is looking for a team for his third season in the league. Formerly of the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies, Kawamura is a fan favorite across the league for his friendship with former teammate Ja Morant —from whom he may have acquired some of his ball handling and shot creation skills.
Through the first two years of his NBA career, Kawamura averaged 7.6 minutes per game with 2.5 points and 1.7 assists on 34.1% shooting.
Sep 28, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Yuki Kawamura (17) with mascot Chuck the Condor on media day at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Could the Clippers Keep Yuki Kawamura?
While the Clippers waived him, Kawamura still has a shot with the organization.
Advertisement
Kawamura, international teammate of offseason signing Rui Hachimura , can still sign with the Clippers' G League affiliate, allowing him to stay in the organization, or they could sign him to a two-way deal, as they only have to of their slots filled at present between Nick Martinelli and Jalen Pickett.
If the Clippers avoid those actions, though, Kawamura will try his luck with another team with about a week left before opening night.
Sep 28, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura (28) and guard Yuki Kawamura (17) pose for a photo on media day at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
What's Next For the Clippers?
The Clippers can't set their sights on the regular season just yet, as they still have one more preseason game before the new year kicks off. They face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. PT at the Intuit Dome, and will look to end the preseason on a high note in front of the home crowd.
Advertisement
They'll stay at home afterwards, as they host the Kings a week from Wednesday to kick off their season. The first game of the year comes Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
The post Clippers Cut Ties With Point Guard Just Before Start of Season appeared first on LA Sports Report .
