The Shocking Move: Why Yuki Kawamura Deserves Better Than What Just Happened with the Chicago Bulls
- Lychee Lye
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Promise: A Rising Star from Japan
Yuki Kawamura had a story few could ignore: a 5 foot 8 guard from Japan who worked his way up through the B.League, earned MVP honors, played for his national team in the Olympics, and then finally broke into the NBA. With the Bulls in the 2025 Summer League, he flashed real flashes of brilliance: 10.2 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game across five games, including standout passing and shooting numbers. Fans were excited. The franchise was talking. It looked like he might not only carve out a role but also become a fan favorite.
“Just sign him… we need something to look forward to this year.” Reddit
What Went Down
On October 17, 2025, the Bulls made a surprising move: they waived Kawamura. The official reason: a “medical condition” specifically, right lower leg pain that had kept him out of the final preseason games. For a player who had only just signed a two way contract and showed promise, the decision stunned many.
One fan posted: “Just feels like a marketing play to me… Why….” Reddit
Another wrote: “This team is trash, having let go of their one and only wizard.” Reddit
Why Many Believe He “Deserves Better”
1) He earned the opportunity
Kawamura didn’t just ride hype, he produced. His Summer League numbers and prior performances showed he could handle high-level competition. He brought unique value: high basketball IQ, elite passing instincts, and the kind of international star appeal that grows markets.
2) The decision felt abrupt and under explained
A medical issue is a valid concern, but for a team to waive him at this juncture, many fans and analysts felt there could have been other pathways (injured list, G-League assignment, etc).
The move raised questions about how much the injury weighed versus roster/contract priorities.
3) The timing and optics
Just months ago, the Bulls had gone all in by signing him and generating buzz.
It felt like they were investing in the “Yuki story.” And then, before the regular season, he’s gone.
The contrast between hype and departure stings for fans.
4) The broader significance
Kawamura represented more than just one bench player, he was a sign of global basketball’s reach, a path for Japanese talent, and a story of everything overcoming size, geography and expectation.
His release resonates beyond just one roster spot.
What This Means Going Forward
Kawamura is now a free agent and needs to find his next opportunity. The injury might complicate things, but his skillset and résumé remain compelling.
For the Bulls, the move sends mixed signals: Are they prioritizing roster flexibility, injury risk safety, or something else?
For fans, especially in Japan and among Bulls supporters, the wave of disappointment is real.
“I am going to miss the posts from his fans from home… They were completely polite while asking ‘WTF? You are not playing the best player on the planet?’” Reddit
There may still be a path for Kawamura back into the NBA system, perhaps via another team willing to invest in his upside once healthy.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the headline rings true “Yuki deserves better than this.” He earned his shot, embraced a challenge, delivered moments worth watching, and then was let go under ambiguous circumstances. Whether one agrees with the Bulls’ internal decision or not, from an outsider’s view it feels like a missed opportunity, for both the player and the franchise. If nothing else, his journey isn’t over. And for fans who saw what he could do, this isn’t goodbye, it’s “see you later.”
The Uncommon Breed