Free agent forward Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, a person familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday. The second year of the deal includes a team option for the 2027-28 season.
The 28-year-old Japanese forward, who played college basketball at Gonzaga, averaged 11.5 points and shot 44 percent from three-point range last season, establishing himself as a reliable two-way contributor. His addition strengthens a Clippers frontcourt in need of versatile scoring and switchable defense.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank welcomed Hachimura in a statement. "Rui is an elite 3-point shooter and an efficient mid-range scorer who uses his size to exploit mismatches," Frank said. "He will strengthen our frontcourt with his one-on-one defense and ability to space the floor. Rui is also a well-liked and respected teammate who continues to grow his game. We are excited to add him."
