Spurs reportedly had interest in $28M Lakers wing, but made $31M decision instead originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Reports had indicated that the San Antonio Spurs were interested in making a move for Rui Hachimura, the Los Angeles Lakers free agent. Hachimura, who has been a very decent player throughout his career, can hit open shots at a high level, is an average defender, and frankly, would be a really good fit in San Antonio.
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However, the Lakers free agent decided to stay in Los Angeles, taking a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The decision came as a bit of a surprise, though new reports indicate that while the Spurs had some interest, he was never viewed as a realistic option for the organization.
“Although the San Antonio Spurs were brought up as a potential suitor for Hachimura earlier this offseason, he wasn’t viewed as a realistic option for the franchise,” reported ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel. “While the organization did speak with Hachimura’s representation, the Spurs were targeting experience and veteran leadership on a short-term contract rather than a long-term commitment. That is why Tobias Harris was the Spurs’ top target, and they didn’t have much interest in Hachimura.”
It’s interesting that San Antonio went in this direction, but it ultimately decided to bring in Tobias Harris.
I would have gone after Hachimura, especially at the price, but they’re different players, so there’s reason to believe it can work out.
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