Ex-Lakers' $71M swiss army knife has to regret decision to sign with Clippers over Spurs, Warriors image
This summer has been an entertaining one, as free agency has produced plenty of twists and turns. It all started with LeBron James keeping the entire NBA world waiting for a month, and now, the younger players are finally beginning to find their new homes.
The Los Angeles Clippers made a significant addition this summer by bringing Rui Hachimura, former Los Angeles Laker. Hachimura chose the Clippers over the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
“Free agent Rui Hachimura has joined the LA Clippers, the team announced, with sources telling ESPN he agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote. “Hachimura turned down offers from the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs because he wanted to remain in L.A. for the Clippers, sources said.”
When Hachimura discussed joining the Clippers, he had nothing but positive things to say about his decision.
“Above all, being able to stay in LA is the best outcome for me,” Hachimura said. “They support their players of course, their families and inner circles from what I hear. Plus they have a brand new arena with advanced physical and medical support and all kinds of useful tools for physical training. I'm really looking forward to all of it.”
However, with the latest developments surrounding the Clippers, it is easy to imagine Hachimura having some regrets about passing on an opportunity to join a potential NBA Finals contender like the Spurs.
“Watching the Clippers implode today, you have to wonder if Rui Hachimura regrets his July free agency choice. The Spurs called him with the full MLE to put him next to Wemby on a contender with plenty of draft capital and a bright future but instead, he took the exact same money (2 years, $28M) to stay in LA with the Clippers (except the deal he took features a second-year team option. Ouch!),” NBA writer Dusty Garza posted.
San Antonio will be contending for the foreseeable future and now, LA is going to be suffering in that time span. Hachimura had the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Spurs to chase a championship.
Hachimura has made $71 million throughout his career so far. Obviously, the reasoning had to do with staying in LA and the money, but it would have been worth it to take the pay cut. After all, it does seem like it is going to be a brutal few years for the Clippers and Hachimura will have to regretfully sit in his decision for the next two years.
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