With NBA free agency fast approaching, Rui Hachimura is starting to draw interest outside the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Lakers lose him, they could already have a replacement in mind.
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs are the teams that have registered interest in Hachimura.
“Brooklyn keeps coming up as a likely suitor, too, for the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, league sources say,” Fischer wrote. “The Nets and Spurs are two teams we’ve heard have interest in adding Hachimura’s services.”
Rui Hachimura Expected to Draw Interest from at least 2 Teams, Lakers Could Have Replacement in Mind.
Hachimura is an elite shooter who was outstanding in the playoffs. Hachimura, who saw his offensive role reduced this past season, posted career numbers in the postseason with 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 39 minutes over 10 appearances. The 28-year-old forward knocked down 3.3 3-pointers and compiled shooting splits of 54.9/56.9/72.7. He scored in double-figures in all 10 appearances, topping the 20-point mark three times.
While the Lakers have previously said they want to retain most of their free agents, they may not be able to afford Hachimura. The Lakers have re-signed Austin Reaves to a max contract that will cost them $41.2 million this year, though he won’t officially be added until they make other moves.
As of right now, the Lakers have about $137 million committed to 11 players, including 2026 No. 24 pick Cameron Carr. However, the Lakers do have quite a few potential moving parts, with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart‘s player options, along with Nick Smith Jr., having a team option. LeBron James, Luke Kennard, and Jaxon Hayes are the Lakers’ other free agents.
Hachimura is likely to get a raise this offseason. Hachimura, who earned $18.2 million this past season, is projected to receive offers between $20-$28 million this season. The Lakers can offer him $114.5 million over four years.
How Would Hachimura Fit With the Teams
Hachimura has spent the past three+ years with the Lakers and still obviously fits alongside Luka Doncic and Reaves due to high efficiency and not making many mistakes. However, there remains concern about his defense, since Doncic or Reaves is elite on that end, and he is not a good rebounder.
Hachimura’s fit with the Nets may be better than with the Lakers, as he provides exactly what Brooklyn needs: low‑usage scoring, spacing, and size. With Randle in tow, Hachimura would figure to be the Nets’ 6th man unless they moved on from Michael Porter Jr.
The Brooklyn Nets should pursue Rui Hachimura in free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus said Hachimura is “believed to be seeking a raise” and may leave the Los Angeles Lakers.
With cap space available, Brooklyn could be an ideal landing spot. pic.twitter.com/56U6jM0Uj9
— Nets Nation (@NetsNationCP) June 15, 2026
Brooklyn has added about $23 million to their payroll with Randle and 2026 draft picks Mikel Brown Jr. and Joshua Jefferson. Still, the Nets have about $18 million in cap space.
Meanwhile, San Antonio added two bigs in the 2026 draft with Jayden Quintance and Tarris Reed Jr. Thus, putting the Spurs just under the salary cap with four open roster spots. The Spurs could likely use a small forward with Harrison Barnes headed to free agency. Hachimura would certainly be an upgrade over Barnes.
Minnesota could also be an option, but the Timberwolves likely can’t afford him. The Timberwolves are over the first apron after trading for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. The Wolves have also inked Ayo Dosunmu and Jaylen Clark to contract extensions.
How Could The Lakers Replace Rui Hachimura If He Leaves?
If the Lakers don’t re-sign Hachimura, they’ll need to find a replacement. According to reports, the Lakers have shown interest in unrestricted free agent Dean Wade and trade interest in Cam Johnson.
Wade projects to have several suitors due to his skill-set of being a lock-down defender who can space the floor. The Cavaliers have indicated a desire to re-sign Wade, but they have tough upcoming decisions to make this offseason and may not be able to afford Wade. The 29-year-old made $6.7 million this past season, though he is expected to double his salary this offseason. But if the Lakers aren’t the only team interested in Wade.
“Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is expected to have various suitors in free agency, including the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told HoopsHype. ” Michael Scotto of HoopHype wrote.
Wade would be a perfect fit for the Lakers, who need role players around Doncic, Reaves, and James — if he returns. Wade’s blend of size, defense, shooting, and low usage is exactly what the Lakers need, especially if James comes back.
Scotto also mentioned the Lakers have checked in on Johnson, as have the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic, among others. Johnson, known for his shooting, is on a $23 million expiring contract. The 30-year-old forward was highly efficient in his lone season in Denver, averaging 1.4 points per shot with career-best splits of 48/43/83.9. He also produced one double-double.
Johnson is a fantastic fit for the Lakers, much like Wade. Johnson is a big wing who can really shoot, averaging 2.3 threes per game at nearly 40% from deep for his career. He also thrives in catch-and-shoot opportunities and can guard four positions in certain situations — not including point guard.
With so much cap space, the Lakers can absorb Johnson’s contract without sending anything back. While Denver is facing a financial crunch, the Nuggets still see themselves as contender; therefore, they may want a low-cost player or two in return.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
