Japanese forward Hachimura signs with Clippers: reports

Japanese forward Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year NBA free agency deal worth $28 million with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The 28-year-old playmaker made the deal, according to The Athletic and ESPN, hours ahead of the NBA period opening to allow teams to sign free agents for the 2026-27 campaign.

In seven NBA seasons split between the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers, Hachimura averaged 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 405 games.

Hachimura, selected ninth overall by Washington in the 2019 NBA Draft, helped the Lakers reach the playoffs over each of the past four seasons, hitting 56.9 percent from three-point range in this past post-season.

Once contracts can be signed and deals finalized, the steps will be made to deciding the next team for once of Hachimura's former Lakers teammates -- superstar LeBron James.

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and four-time NBA champion announced last week he will not return to the Lakers, but agent Rich Paul has teased as many as 10 possible destinations for the 41-year-old forward, including his former clubs, the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.

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