The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with a clear outlook to upgrade their roster for the 2026-27 season. While these moves have been promising for the most part, the fact that players like Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and LeBron James are on the way out could be concerning.
Currently, James has confirmed he will not return, and Smart has reportedly signed a new deal with the Houston Rockets. However, Rui Hachimura remains on the market, continuing to draw interest from teams around the league.
For all intents and purposes, Hachimura is a high-value asset. At 28, he is a young player with tremendous upside. Along with being a capable mid-range scorer, the forward boasts impressive shooting ability, highlighted by last season’s averages of 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game on 51.4% shooting from the field and 44.3% from three-point range.
Although teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Brooklyn Nets have been identified as suitors, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer noted that the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves could also be in the mix. They wrote:
“As the market has developed, sources say Hachimura’s representation has now been in contact with Minnesota and Golden State as well. The Timberwolves have a well-chronicled need for a power forward after committing to trade away Randle and Naz Reid so they can pair LaMelo Ball with Anthony Edwards, and Hachimura is said to stand as their current top choice at the position.”
With two new parties showing an interest, there is reason to believe that the race to sign Rui Hachimura will be heating up. Therefore, with all things taken into consideration, we explore four realistic landing spots for the 28-year-old.
The San Antonio Spurs Remain Likely
The San Antonio Spurs were among the first teams identified as suitors for Rui Hachimura. Despite losing in the NBA Finals, it is safe to say that the Spurs had a remarkable season. When also considering the talent on their roster, they boast tremendous potential for improvement.
Last season, Hachimura earned $18.2 million, a sizable sum for a rotation piece. While a pay raise would be justified in some contexts, given the current cap issues teams are facing, this seems unlikely.
For the most part, a slight pay cut is to be expected. In that regard, the Spurs may not face too many issues with acquiring Hachimura.
San Antonio’s current payroll sees them only $4.5 million under the tax and $12.5 million under the first apron. Hence, in theory, the Spurs could offer Hachimura a three-year, $30 million deal ($10 million annually) using the non-taxpayer MLE and ensure he grows with the team.
The downside to this, however, is that San Antonio would be hard-capped at the first apron after using the MLE. With 14 players on the roster, this may not be a problem. But when considering that they already signed Tobias Harris, there may be some hesitation with pursuing Hachimura.
The Timberwolves Would Have To Trade For Hachimura
Unlike most of the teams on this list, the Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t in a position to realistically sign Rui Hachimura out of free agency. With a salary payroll of $214.5 million, the Wolves are already over the first apron and are only $6.5 million under the second. Hence, Minnesota must opt for a different approach.
Proposed Trade Details
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Rui Hachimura (sign-and-trade)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Josh Green
Given their current cap situation, the Wolves would be forced to engage in a sign-and-trade with the Lakers to acquire Rui Hachimura. Thus, if the Lakers can sign Hachimura to a three-year, $36 million deal ($12 million annually), the Wolves would not only acquire the forward at a favorable price but also shed $2 million in the process.
Realistically, this trade would be feasible. The Lakers’ need for a reliable wing may justify the acquisition of Josh Green. Although it would force them to clear up some cap space by waiving and stretching the contracts of Jarred Vanderbilt and/or Dalton Knecht, the Purple and Gold may see some merit in this, especially since Green is also an expiring contract.
The Wolves’ pursuit of Hachimura seems justified in light of the departure of Naz Reid and Julius Randle. Although he doesn’t bring the same skill set, his reliability as a perimeter threat may prove valuable next to LaMelo Ball.
The Nets’ Offer Could Be Convincing
The Brooklyn Nets are another intriguing landing spot for Rui Hachimura this offseason. After acquiring Julius Randle recently, questions are being raised about the Nets’ direction. Still, given how valuable a three-point shooting wing is in any system, Brooklyn’s interest is valid.
Among the four teams on this list, the Nets may have the most cap flexibility at this stage. With a salary payroll of just $163.7 million, Brooklyn is currently under the cap and more than capable of offering a sizable extension to a player like Hachimura.
Surprisingly, the Nets’ roster already features 17 players, suggesting that at least two will be waived before the regular season begins. With more salaries coming off the books, Brooklyn could consider offering Hachimura a three-year deal worth up to $60 million to really pique his interest.
At roughly $20 million per year, Hachimura may not receive a better offer this summer. However, if he desires to contend for a title, Brooklyn may not be the ideal landing spot.
The Warriors May Need To Get Creative
The Golden State Warriors have been positioned as a suitor for several free agents. With the likes of LeBron James also being viewed as a target, the Dubs are expected to make some big moves. However, they haven’t made any major signings thus far.
Aside from re-signing Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton, Golden State has yet to do anything noteworthy. Still, with Draymond Green opting out of his $27.7 million contract, the Dubs have gained some flexibility to make moves.
Currently, the Warriors are $16.7 million under the tax and $24.7 million under the first apron. With 12 players on their roster (two two-way contracts), the Dubs may not have the luxury to offer Hachimura a lucrative deal. However, should they choose to offload some assets, the narrative may change.
There have been rumors suggesting that Golden State is shopping Moses Moody‘s $12.5 million contract, with some possibility of the guard being waived emerging, too.
If the Warriors trigger a sign-and-trade with the Lakers for Hachimura at $30 million over three years ($10 million annually), Golden State could acquire the 28-year-old while also shedding roughly $2.5 million in salary. This could make it easier for them to re-sign Green while keeping their pursuit of LeBron James alive.
The Lakers Could Still Re-Sign Rui Hachimura
While there is speculation that Rui Hachimura could be headed to a different team this summer, there have been some rumblings suggesting that the Purple and Gold may still be interested in bringing him back.
Given how quickly some players have been signed in free agency, there is a belief that teams have been hesitant to offer the forward a new contract because the Lakers are still making a play for him. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported this, stating:
“Hachimura remaining unsigned caused several league sources to wonder whether the Lakers are planning some sort of trade or using the stretch provision on perhaps Jarred Vanderbilt or Deandre Ayton to be able to offer Hachimura more.”
Theoretically, this could be extremely promising. Given how well Rui Hachimura fits alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, along with the team’s need for perimeter shooting, retaining him would be ideal. However, with the addition of Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Lakers may have already addressed that void.
Currently, the Lakers’ best offer for Rui Hachimura would be a two-year deal worth approximately $24 million with a player option for the second year. Although there is merit to this, in light of the other offers he could receive, convincing him to stay would prove difficult.
