Clippers Waived Guard Yuki Kawamura
The Los Angeles Clippers have released Yuki Kawamura as the team sets its final roster.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
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The Los Angeles Clippers officially waived Yuki Kawamura on Monday, October 12. This move comes as the team adjusts its roster ahead of the upcoming regular season opener.
Why it matters
The team is currently managing significant personnel changes and injuries to players including Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Kobe Sanders, and Jordan Miller. These roster adjustments help the organization manage depth following the earlier trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
Yuki Kawamura recorded 10 points, four assists, and two steals in 14 minutes of play against the Toronto Raptors. The team continues to deal with injuries to five key players.
The players
Yuki Kawamura
He is a professional basketball player who signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with the Clippers in August.
Kris Dunn
He is a defensive-minded guard for the Clippers who recorded 293 deflections and 129 steals during the 2025-26 season.
Derrick Jones Jr.
He is a forward known for his defensive impact, recording 50 blocks and 45 steals for the team during the 2025-26 campaign.
Kawhi Leonard
He is a former Clippers star who was traded to the Toronto Raptors in September 2026.
Fletcher Loyer
He is a basketball player who was waived by the Clippers on October 6.
The details
The Clippers utilize aggressive defensive coverages and blitzing to create turnovers, relying on production from players like Kris Dunn, who recorded 293 deflections and 129 steals during the 2025-26 season. Derrick Jones Jr. also contributed significantly last season with 50 blocked shots and 45 steals.
Timeline
August 2026: Yuki Kawamura signed an Exhibit 10 contract.
September 2026: Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors.
October 6, 2026: The team waived Fletcher Loyer.
October 12, 2026: The team waived Yuki Kawamura.
October 21, 2026: The season opener against the Sacramento Kings takes place.
Season Trajectory
This roster move reflects the Clippers' need to maintain defensive intensity while navigating a challenging injury report. The team is balancing personnel changes as they prepare for a critical season opener against the Sacramento Kings.
The waiver of Kawamura creates an immediate opening on the active roster for the upcoming season. Fans should monitor potential signings as the team looks to shore up depth during the current injury crisis.
The takeaway
Roster fluidity is a common reality during the preseason as teams evaluate end-of-bench talent against existing salary structures. Fans and observers can expect the team to continue shuffling the final spots until the official opening night roster is locked.
Further reading
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