“All love Memphis”- Yuki Kawamura shares heartfelt message as he leaves Memphis Grizzlies

Well known NBA player Yuki Kawamura has finally taken the next step in his career. He joined the Chicago Bulls for the NBA Summer League after ending his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 24-year-old has developed into a sort of "cult hero" despite being the shortest player in the NBA. Now, the Japanese guard has spoken up about the decision. He took to his Instagram and addressed his former team in a heartfelt message.

Yuki Kawamura joins the Chicago Bulls after an emotional Memphis Grizzlies exit and Ja Morant’s shout-out

The Memphis Grizzlies had a really difficult season last year. They had to deal with injured players and a poor tournament ending. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the winners from the previous season, badly defeated them in the same tournament.

They also had trouble finding an appropriate coach.

In this trying period, Yuki Kawamura left the team. Though he appeared in just 22 NBA games and scored 1.6 points per game, he impressed his fans in the G League and soon became popular in Memphis. He also exploded for 12.4 points and 7.8 assists in 24 games with the Memphis Hustle, earning a spot in the NBA G League Next Up Game.However, as the Memphis Grizzlies failed to extend a qualifying offer to the standout player, he became a free agent before the 2025-2026 NBA season.

Now, the Japanese player started a new chapter as he joined the Chicago Bulls' Summer League team. His transfer will be officially announced on July 10, when the NBA 2K26 Summer League kicks off. Yuki Kawamura posted a heartfelt message on social media following the announcement. He conveyed his appreciation to the Memphis Grizzlies and his fans. In his message, he wrote:"All love Memphis (Bear emoji) Good grizz and see you soon (folded hands emoji)."

Meanwhile, he has also gained the respect and admiration of his teammates, especially Ja Morant, despite his short time with the team. The Memphis fan base came to love Ja Morant and Yuzi Kawamura's connection off the court. Furthermore, during one of Kawamura's G League games in March 2025, Morant's daughter was also spotted supporting him. Now the NBA player acknowledged his teammate’s brief time with the Memphis Grizzlies and posted on his X account:"Yukix12 dont die.”Meanwhile, as Yuki Kawamura starts his career with the Chicago Bulls, the Memphis Grizzlies will surely remember his impact on the team and its evolving culture.Also read: NBA Draft News: Golden State Warriors trade 41st pick Koby Brea to Phoenix Suns