The Spurs went after Rui Hachimura with real intent this offseason, but the veteran forward made his preference clear: he wanted to stay in Los Angeles.
San Antonio had identified Hachimura as one of its top targets as the team tried to regroup after last season’s disappointing finish. With a young core still short on postseason mileage, the Spurs were looking for veterans who could bring leadership, steadiness and playoff know-how. Hachimura checked a lot of those boxes, especially with the way he shot the ball last season and then raised his level again in the playoffs.
But the pursuit never got to the finish line. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Spurs were one of several teams that formally chased Hachimura before he chose to remain in Los Angeles by signing with the Clippers. The Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets also made offers.
“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,” Charania wrote.
Inside the Spurs’ front office, Hachimura was viewed as a strong answer to a clear need: perimeter shooting. He was seen as a natural fit for a roster built around younger players, but he reportedly narrowed his choices to re-signing with the Lakers or joining the Clippers.
In the end, he landed with the Clippers on a two-year, $28 million contract.
Once it was obvious Hachimura was staying in Southern California, San Antonio moved on quickly. Instead of lingering on the miss, the Spurs used their financial flexibility to add veteran forward Tobias Harris and reinforce the frontcourt.
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