Free-agent forward Rui Hachimura has reached a two-year, $28 million agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal was reported on July 6, 2026, marking the first major move of Hachimura’s unrestricted free agency.
The 28-year-old Japan native leaves the Los Angeles Lakers after a career-best season and a standout postseason run. In the 2025-26 regular season, Hachimura appeared in 68 games—starting 41—and averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 51.4 percent from the field. His 44.3 percent accuracy on 3.9 three-point attempts per game set a franchise record for single-season three-point percentage.
Hachimura elevated his production in the playoffs, posting 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest. He converted 54.9 percent of his field-goal attempts and 56.9 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts, hitting at least 50 percent of his threes in all 10 postseason games.
A former No. 9 overall draft pick, Hachimura had drawn interest from multiple teams before selecting the Clippers. His departure signals further change for the Lakers, who have already seen Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes exit in free agency and are preparing for the possible departure of LeBron James. The Lakers have added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili in an effort to reshape the roster.
Head coach JJ Redick praised Hachimura during the playoffs, noting the forward’s decisiveness and long-range shooting. “I’m happy for him … he’s a true laser,” Redick said at the time.
Hachimura’s new contract keeps him in Los Angeles while providing the Clippers with additional perimeter shooting and frontcourt depth heading into the 2026-27 season.
Source: LakersNation.com
