Rui Hachimura Signs Two-Year, $28 Million Deal with Los Angeles Clippers

Free-agent forward Rui Hachimura agreed on July 6, 2026 to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal includes a team option for 2027-28 and is funded through the Clippers’ mid-level exception.

Report: Clippers sign Hachimura to 2-year, $28M deal

Hachimura, the 2019 ninth-overall pick of the Washington Wizards, played three seasons there before a Jan. 2023 trade sent him to the Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and picks. He turned down offers from the Warriors, Timberwolves, Nets and Spurs to stay in Los Angeles. He started most games from 2022-23 through 2025-26, then entered free agency in June 2026.

Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

In 2025-26 Hachimura averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and shot 51.4 % overall and 44.3 % from three. In the playoffs he posted 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 54.9 % FG and 56.9 % 3-point shooting, the best three-point rate among players with >=5 attempts per game.

Report: Clippers sign Hachimura to 2-year, $28M deal

The Clippers add a versatile front-court scorer who stretches defenses and provides one-on-one defense, filling a need after losing Kawhi Leonard and John Collins. The Lakers lose a reliable floor spacer as they rebuild post-LeBron.

Bleacher Report

Clippers basketball-operations president Lawrence Frank praised Hachimura’s shooting and defense, noting his “well-liked and respected” teammate reputation. The team said the signing strengthens the frontcourt and improves spacing.

Associated Press

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka rejected a sign-and-trade after the Clippers offered only cash, saying the team would receive no valuable draft picks. Hachimura then signed with the Clippers, a move critics tied to the Lakers’ cap constraints.

HeavyClippers Land Rui Hachimura for $28 Million After Lakers Show No Interest in Re-signingRui Hachimura Signs $28 Million Contract With Clippers After Lakers ExitESPN

• “Rui is an elite 3-point shooter and an efficient mid-range scorer who uses his size to exploit mismatches,” — Lawrence Frank, Clippers basketball-operations president

Rui Hachimura, Clippers agree to two-year deal

• “He will strengthen our frontcourt with his one-on-one defense and ability to space the floor. Rui is also a well-liked and respected teammate who continues to grow his game. We’re excited to add him.” — Lawrence Frank

Rui Hachimura, Clippers agree to two-year deal

• “Thank you Lakers Nation for the past 3 years. We had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together,” — Rui Hachimura

Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

• “Hachimura and his agent Darren Matsubara of The Team came to an understanding with the Los Angeles Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together. The sides waited for the Los Angeles Lakers to complete their offseason business to pursue a sign-and-trade, but the Lakers didn’t cooperate on one, according to a source close to Hachimura. Instead, the Clippers and Hachimura moved forward to keep him in his desired location of Los Angeles. The Lakers and Clippers had a discussion around a Hachimura sign-and-trade, but the Clippers offered minimal cash as the Lakers expected draft capital in a potential return, sources said.” — Shams Charania (report)

Heavy

The Clippers plan to start Hachimura at power forward alongside Brandon Ingram and Darius Garland, while the Lakers continue rebuilding around new signings.

Heavy