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Rui Hachimura Signs Two-Year $28 M Deal with Clippers

7/7/2026

Summary

Hachimura Joins Clippers

Rui Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 6, 2026.
He left the Lakers after three and a half seasons, with an anonymous source saying the contract may include a 2027-28 team option.
In 2025-26 he played 68 games, averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and shooting 51.4% overall (44.3% from three).
Lawrence Frank said Hachimura will strengthen the frontcourt with his elite three-point shooting and defense.

Summary

Lakers Refuse Deal

The Lakers refused a sign-and-trade, prompting GM Rob Pelinka to reject the Clippers’ cash-only offer because the Lakers wanted draft picks.
With only $2 million cap space and no salary-dump option like Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers could not match the Clippers’ $28 million contract.
The Clippers signed Hachimura using their mid-level exception and a year-two option, bringing the team to 13 contracts, leaving two roster spots open on a $158 million payroll.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 collective bargaining agreement, negotiated by Commissioner David Stern and NBPA director Billy Hunter, maintained the soft salary cap and created a $5.8 million mid-level exception and a $30.3 million floor. That provision let teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers use the MLE in 2024 to sign Rui Hachimura, illustrating how the 1995 deal still shapes roster construction.

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Hachimura Joins Clippers

Rui Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 6, 2026.
He left the Lakers after three and a half seasons, with an anonymous source saying the contract may include a 2027-28 team option.
In 2025-26 he played 68 games, averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and shooting 51.4% overall (44.3% from three).
Lawrence Frank said Hachimura will strengthen the frontcourt with his elite three-point shooting and defense.

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