The Mavericks, who still possess the full $15 million midlevel, emerged as a suitor for Rui Hachimura along with the Cli Via @TheSteinLine on X

What happened: Rui Hachimura decided to join the Clippers over multiple suitors. The Dallas Mavericks pushed for the forward with their full $15 million midlevel exception, while Brooklyn also maintained long-held interest.

Why it matters: Staying in Southern California was the deciding factor after he spent the past three and a half seasons in the city. The addition bolsters the Clippers' rotation for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Dallas must now identify alternative targets to utilize its midlevel exception.

Sources