Free-agent forward Rui Hachimura has signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to reports.
The deal was finalized on Monday, July 6, 2026, ending his three-and-a-half-season stint with the cross-town rival Los Angeles Lakers.
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The agreement was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
It directly affects the free-agency strategies of several NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, who had previously been in discussions with the 28-year-old forward.
Hachimura expressed gratitude to his former team and fans online. "Thank you Lakers Nation for the past three years.
We had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together," he said.
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The seven-year NBA veteran averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 51.4% from the field across 68 regular-season games last year.
In the postseason, Hachimura elevated his performance to 17.5 points per game on 54.9% shooting from the field and 56.9% from beyond the arc over 10 matchups, stepping up while the Lakers dealt with roster injuries.
According to SI.
com, the Golden State Warriors are now forced to shift focus toward alternative targets, such as defensive specialist Ziaire Williams, as they await a decision from free-agent LeBron James.
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The Warriors also have until Tuesday night to decide whether to match a three-year, $30 million offer sheet that Quinten Post signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.
