Clippers Waived Yuki Kawamura

The Los Angeles organization released the 25-year-old guard following his participation in the preseason.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball

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The Los Angeles Clippers waived Yuki Kawamura on October 12, 2026, as part of a move to finalize their preseason roster. Kawamura, a 5'7'' guard, is now expected to join the team's G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers.

Why it matters

This move adjusts the Clippers' active roster to 20 players, signaling the team's ongoing assessment of talent before the regular season begins. Kawamura remains eligible for a significant financial incentive tied to his participation in the developmental league.

Kawamura is eligible for a $91,000 bonus if he remains with the San Diego Clippers for at least 60 days. The move reduced the Los Angeles Clippers' active roster to 20 players.

The players

Yuki Kawamura

He is a 25-year-old guard who stands 5'7'' and has previous NBA experience with the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies.

Los Angeles Clippers

This professional basketball team competes in the NBA and is currently finalizing its roster ahead of the regular season.

San Diego Clippers

This organization serves as the G League affiliate for the Los Angeles Clippers and provides developmental opportunities for players.

The details

Kawamura previously played for the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 3.4 points and 2.6 assists over 18 games last season. The guard signed a one-year non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with Los Angeles in August 2026 that included specific G League affiliate protections.

February 2026: Kawamura recorded 34 points and 16 assists in a G League appearance.
August 2026: Kawamura signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
October 12, 2026: The team officially waived Kawamura.

Season Trajectory

This roster move follows the pattern established by the NBA Exhibit 10 contract structure designed to bridge the gap between NBA rosters and G League affiliates. It reflects the ongoing effort by teams to maintain developmental talent while staying within official roster limits.

Kawamura is now expected to report to the San Diego Clippers, where he can secure a $91,000 bonus by remaining on the roster for 60 days. This shift removes him from the Los Angeles Clippers' active 20-man preseason roster.

The takeaway

Players on Exhibit 10 contracts often prioritize G League stability to earn contractual bonuses and maintain their professional trajectory. Fans should monitor G League rosters to see if these players eventually secure call-ups to the main NBA squad.