Free agent forward Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The deal was finalized Monday, July 6, 2026, early in the free agency period.
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Hachimura and his agent Darren Matsubara initially pursued a sign-and-trade agreement with the Lakers, but the team could not facilitate the move due to other offseason roster transactions.
The Lakers prioritized acquisitions such as Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes, preventing them from matching the Clippers' offer despite superstar Luka Doncic listing Hachimura among his preferred teammates to retain.
Contract Details and Performance
Law Murray of The Athletic reported that the contract includes a team option for the second season.
During his recent season with the Lakers, Hachimura played 68 games, starting 41, and averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 28.3 minutes per game.
He shot 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from three-point range.
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Marc Stein of The Stein Line indicated that Hachimura prioritized staying in Los Angeles.
The 28-year-old forward chose the Clippers over interest from the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the Clippers will use their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to finalize the acquisition.
This allows the franchise to operate over the salary cap.
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Fischer added that the Clippers could still pursue a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron suggesting a potential deal involving John Collins and the Detroit Pistons.
