How re-signing a Japanese star and waiving a two-way player shifts the Bulls’ roster balance

The Chicago Bulls reshuffled the back end of their roster on Tuesday, bringing back a familiar name with global appeal. The franchise re-signed guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract in a move that shows confidence in his health and long-term fit.

To create space, Chicago waived forward Trentyn Flowers. With the move, the Bulls completed a quiet but notable roster shift as the season moves toward its midpoint.The decision arrived months after Kawamura was released due to a medical issue. Chicago’s front office certainly acted with clarity. They have resigned Kawamura, who impressed during the summer and preseason, while accepting the cost of parting ways with a recent addition.

The change also keeps the Bulls flexible as roster decisions gain urgency around the league.

NBA contract update highlights Yuki Kawamura’s return to Chicago

Yuki Kawamura’s path back to Chicago has been the result of performance. He first joined the Bulls during the 2025 Summer League. His pace, passing vision, and perimeter shooting stood out across multiple games in Las Vegas at the time. That stretch earned him one of the team’s two-way contracts and placed him firmly on the organizational radar.

Before the injury setback, Kawamura appeared in two preseason games, recording a combined six points, eight assists, and eight rebounds. The 24-year-old made 22 NBA appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies last season and gained international recognition at the Olympics, where he averaged 20.3 points and 7.7 assists for Japan. His professional foundation was built in the Japanese B.League, where he played five seasons, earned league MVP honors in 2023, and developed into a steady, high-usage guard.“He’s (Yuki) picking up full court, doing everything on the court; he’s the definition of heart over height,” Matas Buzelis told NBA.com’s Sam Smith in July. “He plays so hard. To be on the floor with him means a lot; he’s an amazing player, amazing human.”

Chicago Bulls roster move clears space by waiving Trentyn Flowers

Waiving Flowers closed the transaction and reflected Chicago’s current priorities. Flowers appeared in two games for the Bulls this season and also logged minutes with the Windy City Bulls, where he contributed consistently across scoring and rebounding.

His recent presence kept the roster functional, though the team opted for Kawamura’s guard depth and playmaking profile.With 18 players now rostered, including three two-way contracts, Chicago retains options. Kawamura is expected to see significant time with the Windy City Bulls, especially with the NBA roster holding depth at guard. At 17-19 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls continue to balance competitiveness with flexibility. Now, as for the change is concerned, it will completely depend on Kawamura's playing minutes and perfromance.Also Read: “Goats just goating it up”: NBA fans are over the moon as Stephen Curry hugs Snoop Dogg ahead of Warriors game against Clippers