The Memphis Grizzlies will sign Yuki Kawamura to an Exhibit 10 contract, per a press release from the Yokohama B-Corsairs, his current team. The deal is expected to completed in September.
Kawamura is scheduled to sign an “Exhibit-10” contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in September. After signing the contract, he will travel to the United States and participate in a training camp, aiming to earn a permanent contract for the NBA 2024-25 season, which begins in October.
Kawamura will continue to play for the Yokohama B-CORSAIRS until he signs an “Exhibit-10” contract in September.
Kawamura is currently playing for Japan’s men’s national team in the Paris Olympics.
On Tuesday, the 5-foot-8 guard scored a game-high 29 points against France in the Group Phase. He also recorded seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal in Japan’s controversial four-point loss.
Japan’s Yuki Kawamura Signing NBA Contract After Paris Olympics
A quick and slithery playmaker with deep range, Kawamura has a legitimate chance of sticking with the Grizzlies after training camp. If so, it’ll likely come after his non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal is converted into a two-way contract. Memphis has one roster spot left after signing rookie shooting guard Cam Spencer and three-year pro Jay Huff to two-way contracts this offseason.
Kawamura could see the court during the regular season too.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who played just nine games in 2023-24, is currently about 75 percent healthy as he rehabs from shoulder surgery. Marcus Smart, whose future role is a bit murky, was only available for 20 games last season. Derrick Rose, now 35, played just 24 games in 2023-24.
With that said, if the Grizzlies’ point guard corps is decimated by injuries again, Kawamura could make his NBA debut.
Drawing In The Fans
If Memphis signs Kawamura to a two-way deal, the Grizzlies may see an influx of Asian fans.
Kawamura is one of the most popular players in his country. In 2020, the 23-year-old became the youngest player ever to play and score in Japan’s B. League. In 2022-23, he was named as the B. League’s Most Valuable Player. Last season, he averaged 20.9 points and 8.0 assists per game on his way to being named to the B. League’s Best Five for the second straight year.
However, the Grizzlies have made another notable Asian addition. Two-time NCAA Player of the Year, Zach Edey, has distinct Chinese heritage. His grandparents are just two of nearly two million Chinese immigrants who are living in Canada.
Of course, China and Japan are different countries with separate languages and cultures. Nonetheless, when it comes to universal representation of their continent, Asians put their differences aside. As a result, having both a Chinese descendant and Japanese native might allow Asian fans to double down on their fandom.
From a personal standpoint, Kawamura and Edey could also help influence the next generation of Asian hoopers. As the game continues to take on a global flavor, its players like them who can be among the most influential.
