Clippers Seal the Deal: Rui Hachimura Inks Lucrative $28M Extension

Free agent Rui Hachimura has officially agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal to sign with the LA Clippers, solidifying his presence in Los Angeles. This significant move was facilitated by Hachimura and his agent, Darren Matsubara of THE•TEAM, who reached an understanding with the Clippers early in the free agency period.

Hachimura's strong desire to remain in Los Angeles played a pivotal role in his decision, leading him to decline offers from several other prominent NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, and San Antonio Spurs. While there was initial consideration for a sign-and-trade deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers, the Lakers did not cooperate on such an arrangement, primarily because they sought draft capital in return, whereas the Clippers offered only minimal cash. Consequently, Hachimura and the Clippers proceeded directly to secure his desired location.

The 28-year-old forward brings a remarkable record of efficiency and performance to the Clippers. During the regular season, Hachimura averaged 11.5 points per game, demonstrating impressive shooting percentages of 51.4% from the field and an even more notable 44.3% from beyond the three-point line. His game elevated significantly during the postseason, where he averaged 17.5 points per game, shooting 54.9% from the field and an outstanding 56.9% from three-point range. This exceptional three-point shooting placed him first among all players with at least five attempts per game in the 2026 postseason, underscoring his high-impact offensive capabilities.

Hachimura, originally the No. 9 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, was previously acquired by the Lakers from the Washington Wizards during the 2022-23 season in a trade that sent Kendrick Nunn and four second-round picks to Washington. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 230 pounds, Hachimura quickly became a reliable and popular figure within the Lakers' locker room and a key component of their core roster. He was one of eight free agents on the Lakers' 15-man roster, coming off an expiring contract worth $18.3 million.

Furthermore, Hachimura's signing with the Clippers strategically opens up possibilities for the franchise's other offseason objectives. Sources indicate that this deal creates pathways for the Clippers to pursue restricted free agent wing Peyton Watson. Watson, a Long Beach, California native, played collegiately at UCLA before being drafted as the No. 30 pick in the 2022 draft by the Denver Nuggets, where he has since developed into a high-level starter. This acquisition highlights the Clippers' calculated approach to strengthening their roster.