Free agent forward Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN.
Hachimura and his agent, Darren Matsubara of THE•TEAM, reached an early understanding with the Clippers shortly after free agency opened, laying the groundwork for a deal well before it became official.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, both sides initially hoped the Los Angeles Lakers would work with the Clippers on a sign-and-trade that would allow Hachimura to remain in Los Angeles while providing compensation to the Lakers. However, the Lakers ultimately declined to engage in an agreement, prompting Hachimura and the Clippers to move forward with a direct free-agent signing.
Keeping Hachimura in Los Angeles had been a priority throughout the process, and once the sign-and-trade route was no longer viable, the Clippers finalized the two-year, $28 million agreement.
The addition gives the Clippers another proven two-way forward with playoff experience, scoring ability, and defensive versatility as the franchise continues to strengthen its roster for the 2026-27 season. Hachimura, who averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds last season, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s frontcourt rotation as the Clippers looks to remain a Western Conference contender in the post-Kawhi era.
Additional contract details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
