Washington Wizards Trade Rui Hachimura to Los Angeles Lakers

Former lottery pick Rui Hachimura is traded from the Wizards to the Lakers.

Rui Hachimura, a forward for the Washington Wizards, has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a package of draft picks, according to several people with knowledge of the transaction.

In exchange for Hachimura, the Lakers will give Washington three future second-round picks and the guard Kendrick Nunn. Chicago's pick in 2023, the Lakers' own pick in 2029, and whichever second-round pick between the Wizards and Lakers in 2028 is the least advantageous are included in the picks.

Regarding recent trade rumors, the 24-year-old Hachimura stated on Saturday that he had "no comment" and that he "just wanted[ed] to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player. ".

Due to a legitimate personal absence, Hachimura was excused from participating in the Wizards' practice on Monday, according to Coach Wes Unseld Jr. said.

Hachimura, a 2019 lottery pick, hasn't been able to reach his full potential in his four seasons with the Wizards. Hachimura was given a bench role this season after missing nearly half of last season due to a personal leave. With a field goal percentage of 48.8% and a three-point percentage of 33.7%, he averages 13 points, 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 point, while playing 24 points, 3 minutes per game.

Last October's deadline passed without The Wizards and Hachimura coming to a contract extension agreement. First to report on the Hachimura trade were ESPN and The Athletic.

After LeBron James, the team's star forward, criticized the roster setup on opening night, the Lakers, who are currently the 12th seed in the West, have been considering trades all season. The Lakers acquired Hachimura in a deal that spared them one of their two remaining future first-round picks, which they could use to complete other deals before the Feb. 1 deadline. 9:30 trade deadline.

For Los Angeles, which has been looking for size and athleticism on the wing all season, Hachimura would fill a glaring need. Due to the absence of all-star center Anthony Davis due to a foot injury, the team has been forced to play with smaller lineups. Additionally, the recent injuries to Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves have left the team's perimeter players with fewer options.

Although Hachimura has consistently struggled on defense, his 6-foot-8, 230-pound frame offers an alluring balance of versatility and physicality.

The Lakers have the option to make him a restricted free agent this summer by making him a qualifying offer if he performs well in his new environment.

With the Wizards (20-26) currently occupying the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference, the move addresses the overcrowding at the power forward position. Kristaps Porzingis plays power forward in Unseld's preferred lineup, with Daniel Gafford at center. Hachimura, a third-year forward and a lottery pick in 2020, is forced to compete for minutes off the bench.

Washington recovered draft assets without incurring any additional future salary, choosing to do so rather than run the risk of losing Hachimura for nothing in free agency. This is crucial for the organization as it faces concerns about whether it can continue to afford to keep Kyle Kuzma and Porzingis, two expensive core players, beyond this season.

Kuzma declared earlier this year that he would not sign an extension with the Wizards, and as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches, despite the fact that Washington has made it clear it plans to keep its third-leading scorer, according to numerous sources throughout the league.

Porzingis has a player option worth $36 million he could choose to exercise or he could leave his contract unrestricted. Bradley Beal's five-year, maximum contract will begin in the second year, which will result in him earning $46.8 million. This complicates things. The retention of all three players would bring Washington very close to paying the luxury tax, which owner Ted Leonsis has only done once since acquiring the team in 2010.

The Wizards and Lakers have previously worked together in a trade that sent Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles, so they are experienced trading partners. Hachimura would re-join a number of his former Wizards teammates in Los Angeles, including Thomas Bryant, Troy Brown Jr., and Russell Westbrook, with whom he had forged a close bond while playing for the Washington team.

Nunn, 27, missed the 2021–22 season with a knee injury and was unable to find a reliable and productive role with the Lakers this year. In 39 appearances, the goal-oriented guard has averaged 6 points per game while shooting just 40 points per cent overall and 32 points per cent from beyond the arc. He has two years left on a $10.3 million deal, and this summer he will be an unrestricted free agent.

Source: Washingtonpost