Lakers commerce for Rui Hachimura, ship Kendrick Nunn, 3 second-round picks to Wizards
It appears to be like like NBA trade season is beginning in earnest. The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Washington Wizards ahead Rui Hachimura. In return, the Lakers are sending Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks to Washington, the groups introduced Monday. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the deal.
Hachimura was the ninth general select of Gonzaga within the 2019 NBA Draft. He performed a ton in his first two seasons, beginning 105 complete video games, however that quantity dropped through the 2021-22 season. He began simply 13 video games, showing in 42 complete. This season, he is appeared in 30, however beginning none.
The Wizards reportedly began exploring trade options for Hachimura a little over a week ago, however the writing could have been on the wall from the beginning of the season. Again in October, the Wizards did not supply Hachimura a rookie extension and since they’ve sufficient forwards (Kyle Kuzma being one), Hachimura grew to become rather less essential to the staff.
[ Jake Fischer: Lakers’ acquisition of Rui Hachimura could limit free-agent flexibility ]
The Wizards’ loss is the Lakers’ acquire. Los Angeles wants extra gamers to bulk up its problematically skinny roster, and Hachimura satisfies considered one of its greatest wants.
When requested about the potential for being traded final weekend, Hachimura appeared fairly sanguine about the entire thing. He did not appear to thoughts the thought of enjoying some place else so long as the staff likes his sport.
“I simply acquired to play my sport. I do know what I can do, and I can assist the staff to win,” Hachimura said after placing up 30 factors in a victory over the Orlando Magic, his remaining sport as a Wizard. “It is both right here or different staff. I can assist groups.”