Most of the Los Angeles Lakers’ free agents have found new homes already this offseason, but the one major remaining player still available on the open market is forward Rui Hachimura. The forward followed up a record-setting regular season with an even better playoff run for the Lakers and seemed set to cash in on a new deal in free agency this summer.
However, he is still on the open market, but not without suitors making their interest known. And according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the two latest teams to pitch Hachimura in free agency are the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors:
As the free agent market moves along, sources say Minnesota and Golden State have both pitched the NBA’s top-remaining forward, Rui Hachimura.
More @TheSteinLine on Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Jonathan Kuminga: https://t.co/IPoSoDmW13 https://t.co/LgNDZ7hCZy
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 3, 2026
Of course, the Warriors have been linked to the other Lakers forward who is still a free agent, but the interest in Hachimura makes sense as well. Hachimura is a strong, physical forward who has shot over 41% from 3-point range in each of the past three seasons, including a career-high and Lakers franchise record 44.3% last season. He is also a proven playoff contributor who raised his scoring greatly for the Lakers this past year when they needed it most as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were injured.
Both the Warriors and Timberwolves are looking to upgrade the supporting cast surrounding their stars and take a step towards championship contention. The Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball to pair with Anthony Edwards, but Hachimura could slot into their starting power forward role. A big role would also be there with the Warriors who are always looking for versatile players and shooters to put alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs have also been mentioned as having interest in Hachimura, so he clearly has value around the league, especially after the playoff run he had. It will simply be a matter of finding the right fit in terms of role, and being paid what he deserves, that decides where Hachimura is playing next season.
Are the Lakers still trying to keep Rui Hachimura?
There could still be a possibility that the Lakers are trying to keep Hachimura as well. The team’s cap space has been utilized in free agency, but the front office could look to make a couple trades to clear out the necessary room and keep him in purple and gold.
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