Forward Rui Hachimura is joining the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year contract after the club and the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to complete a sign-and-trade deal, according to multiple sources.
Hachimura and his agent, Darren Matsubara of THETEAM, reached an agreement with the Clippers early in free agency, intending to remain in Los Angeles. The parties initially paused finalizing the contract to explore a sign-and-trade that could have delivered assets to the Lakers, league insider Shams Charania reported.
Negotiations stalled when the Clippers offered only a small cash consideration, while the Lakers sought draft compensation, sources said. Because Hachimura was an unrestricted free agent, the Clippers were not compelled to increase their offer.
Keeping Hachimura’s $28 million cap hold on the books for a potential sign-and-trade would have reduced the Lakers’ spending power in free agency, making the limited cash proposal unattractive to the front office.
Key role with the Lakers
Hachimura, 28, emerged as one of the league’s most efficient three-point shooters last season and delivered a pivotal postseason performance. He averaged 17.5 points per game while converting 56.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc during the first-round series, helping the injury-depleted Lakers advance.
After nearly four seasons in purple and gold, Hachimura thanked Lakers fans on social media following news of his departure.
The Lakers now turn their attention to filling the void left in the frontcourt, while Hachimura prepares for his next chapter with the crosstown Clippers.
Source: Lakers Nation
