Because the LA Clippers need draft capital now more than ever, and Rui Hachimura’s contract is cap-friendly at $28 million over two seasons with a team option at the end of next season, the front office may already have plans to move him at the trade deadline. This is an inexpensive salary given his production, which could help the Clippers get exactly what they’re looking for.
However, after Hachimura’s performance in the Clippers’ preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors, it makes even more sense to trade him with the mindset of selling high by February. The 28-year-old forward logged 21 points, five rebounds, and one block in just 15 minutes, shooting an absurd 8-for-11 from the field and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Quite literally, Hachimura was playing out of his mind on both ends of the court.
Selling high on Rui Hachimura could net the LA Clippers draft picks and even a young player
Before the preseason began, all signs pointed to Rui Hachimura having a productive stint with the LA Clippers. Why? Two reasons: he’s coming off a strong playoff run with the Los Angeles Lakers and will have a large role under Tyronn Lue.
In 10 postseason games for the Lakers who needed the help, Hachimura averaged 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, shooting 54.9% from the field and 56.9% from beyond the arc.
These numbers make it clear as day that he’s in the midst of his prime, and if you factor in how much Lue will need him to score as well as make an overall impact on the offensive side of the ball, his best season is practically inevitable.
Now, after what we saw Hachimura put on display in his first appearance in a Clippers uniform, it seems as if he’s going to surpass expectations with flying colors.
As a result, the Clippers could easily sell high on him. Several championship contenders would be willing to part with an unprotected first-round pick to acquire Hachimura’s services, as he can raise a team’s ceiling when the season is on the line.
If they want to keep him, it won’t really hurt their books to accept his team option; if not, they can simply move on at no cost.
Kudos to Lawrence Frank for negotiating such a beneficial deal for the Clippers. It’s certainly going to come in handy on the market once trade season rolls around.
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