Rui Hachimura has found his landing spot, which is semi-familiar for the 28-year-old. Hachimura will remain in LA but not with his old team, the Lakers; rather, he will suit up in a Clipper uniform. The 28-year-old is signing a two-year, $28 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Hachimira and his agent Darren Matsubara of THE•TEAM came to an understanding with the Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together. The sides waited for the Lakers to complete their offseason business to pursue a sign-and-trade, but the Lakers didn’t cooperate on an… https://t.co/3v2hzswKm6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2026
Rui Hachimura Staying in Los Angeles, Signs with Clippers Who Are Pursuing Nuggets RFA
Hachimura has been a reliable and efficient scorer for the Lakers over the last three-plus seasons and is coming off a phenomenal postseason. Hachimura is the Clippers’ sixth offseason acquisition, though the 6-9 forward did have other options. Dallas, Brooklyn, Minnesota, and Golden State also showed interest.
The Mavericks, who still possess the full $15 million midlevel, emerged as a suitor for Rui Hachimura along with the Clippers on top of Brooklyn’s long-held interest … but <blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The Mavericks, who still possess the full $15 million midlevel, emerged as a suitor for Rui Hachimura along with the Clippers on top of Brooklyn's long-held interest … but Hachimura had a clear intention to stay in LA after 3 1/2 seasons as a Laker.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 6, 2026
Hachimura fits well into Ty Lue’s five-out system due to his elite catch‑and‑shoot efficiency. Hachimura averaged 1.5 threes a game and shot 41.5% from deep with the Lakers. He figures to start alongside Brook Lopez and Brandon Ingram in the frontcourt. Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler project to be the starters in the backcourt.
Hachimura is slated to make $13.6 million this upcoming season. With Hachimura’s addition, the Clippers have 13 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $157.5 million. That leaves the Clippers with $7.4 million cap space.
Los Angeles Clippers salary cap with Rui Hachimura.
This framework fits in the mid-level exception, which would hard cap them to the first apron. They could alternatively sign him with cap space.
They still have plenty of luxury tax space to take on more salaries in trades. https://t.co/7LC506g0IJ pic.twitter.com/y3MvGIbS57
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 6, 2026
Cam Christie has a $2.29 million non-guaranteed contract with a looming decision due on July 20. Restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin has an $8.8 million qualifying offer. The Clippers could use another wing and guard.
Mathurin is very versatile and an outstanding scorer, though he is not a great shooter and consistency is an issue. The 24-year-old produced a career year despite only playing in 54 games this past season. He scored in double figures in 18 of his 26 appearances with the Clippers, with 13 contests of 20 or more points.
Rui Hachimura’s message to Lakers fans:
“Thank you Lakers nation for the past 3 years, we had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together.” pic.twitter.com/4YjXccGxtO
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) July 6, 2026
Clippers Still Interested In Peyton Watson
Even though the Clippers are interested in keeping Mathurin, they haven’t given up their pursuit of Peyton Watson, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer.
The Clippers are signing Rui Hachimura by way of their mid-level exception, per source. The two-year, $28 million deal has a team option in the second season, and I’m being told does not rule out Los Angeles from a sign-and-trade pursuit of Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton…
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 6, 2026
Watson is an intriguing two-way forward who is coming off the best season of his career. Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, a steal, and a block for the Nuggets. The 23-year-old forward knocked down 1.5 triples with shooting splits of 49.1/41.1/73. He also had 16 games with 20+ points, including four with 30+ points, and recorded two double-doubles in 54 games.
Watson has a $6.53 million qualifying offer, though he is reportedly seeking around $125 million over five seasons — which is what Nuggets teammate Christian Braun received. The Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are also reportedly interested in his services.
Watson is drawing strong interest more because he fits the modern wing archetype and potential than because of his past production. The 6-8, 3-and-D wing can guard four positions due to his athleticism and length. He also showed growth as a shooter, playmaker, and cutter this past season.
The Clippers have the assets to trade for Watson. The Clippers can trade five of their nine first-rounders over the next seven years. They also have six second-round choices.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
