Yuki Kawamura signed a one-year, non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 training camp contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in August, giving the 5-foot-7 point guard a low-risk chance to keep building his NBA case.
The deal matters because Exhibit 10 contracts can create a path to the regular season roster or a bonus opportunity if a player is waived before the season and then stays with the team's G League affiliate for at least 60 days. In Kawamura's case, that could mean a $91,000 bonus if the Clippers move in that direction.
Why the Clippers added him
Kawamura has already shown enough playmaking skill to stay on the NBA radar. Earlier this year, he played with the Indiana Pacers in Summer League and averaged 8.2 points and 4.8 assists across five games. Before that, he spent time on two-way deals with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls, which gave him more chances to show he can help as a guard who brings speed, vision and energy.
His résumé also includes a strong showing for Japan at the 2024 Olympic Games. In a three-game stint, Kawamura averaged 20.3 points and 7.7 assists, a reminder that he can handle a major role when given the ball. For a player his size, that production stands out even more.
What Ty Lue said
Clippers coach Ty Lue has described Kawamura as fast and very coachable, and said he will get opportunities to grow and learn in the system. That kind of feedback matters for a player trying to carve out a place in camp, especially on a team that can use another steady ballhandler.
The Clippers also opened a two-way slot after waiving Jamarion Sharp, which creates another possible opening for Kawamura. He does not need to win a huge role to keep his NBA path alive, but he does need to keep proving he can translate his feel for the game into consistent minutes.
Kawamura got a brief preseason look on Sunday, playing four minutes in the Clippers' opening win over the Golden State Warriors. That is not much time, but it is another small step in a process that now centers on whether he can turn a training camp deal into something more lasting.
