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Fenerbahce Istanbul will receive a buyout following Nigel Hayes-Davis' move to the NBA, sources tell BasketNews. According to sources, the forward activated a €1 million NBA buyout clause to leave his contract—originally running through 2027—and sign with the Phoenix Suns, as reported by Shams Charania.
Gerald Bourguet: Frank Kaminsky, who played with Nigel Hayes-Davis at Wisconsin, on the Suns' new arrival: "Hardest worker you'll find out there. He's been one of the best players in Europe the past 2 years. Deserves the opportunity"
Euroleague champion Nigel Hayes signs with Suns
Shams Charania: Fenerbahce's Nigel Hayes-Davis – the 2025 Euroleague champion and finals MVP as well as Turkish Cup champion and MVP – has agreed to a fully guaranteed one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. The two-time Euroleague first-teamer returns to the States and NBA.
Joe Mazzulla travels to Turkey to watch Nigel Hayes
After winning the first two games at home, Fenerbahce closed the series on the road in Game 3, winning 93-84 and sweeping 3-0 Bahcesehir to advance to the Turkish League Finals. Wade Baldwin and Metecan Birsen each scored 16 points to drag the reigning champs. Nigel Hayes-Davis finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds in front of Boston Celtics’ head coach Joe Mazzulla, who travelled to Turkiye to take a look at the American forward.
Fenerbahce wins Euroleague with Nigel Hayes as Final Four MVP
One year ago in Berlin, Fenerbahce finished fourth. The story was different this time. Fenerbahce got its second EuroLeague trophy by beating Monaco 81-70. Marko Guduric scored 19 points, Nigel Hayes-Davis had 22 points, Devon Hall and Wade Baldwin added 13 points, and Fenerbahce made things happen.
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Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward Nigel Hayes-Davis has been named the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four MVP.
Nigel Hayes-Davis and Tarik Biberovic have become serious targets for NBA teams. Fenerbahce Beko general manager Derya Yannier confirmed the growing attention during an interview with TRT Sports Star. “There is very serious interest from the NBA for Nigel Hayes-Davis and Tarik Biberovic,” said Yannier. “I hope they continue with us, but if they say, ‘I want to try in the NBA,’ we won’t stand in their way.”
“The reason is simple – I didn’t sign an NBA contract. Some things in life are simple, and that’s the simple answer. I’ve always said that I wanted to be near my family and friends in the NBA. I want to be the best version of myself wherever I am, and this season I’ll do my best to be the best Nigel I can be,” Hayes-Davis said about his decision to stay in Istanbul. After a great season and a summer with Team USA, he had interest from the NBA. However… “At the end of the day, it didn’t happen. The reason isn’t important. I’ve always been someone who focuses on the things I can control. I feel like I did everything I could to prove my abilities. Sometimes things don’t go your way. Maybe this is better for me. I went through a similar process last summer, and I came back and broke a EuroLeague scoring record. We don’t know what the universe has in store for me this year, but we’ll see together.”
Nigel Hayes drew interest from the NBA during the offseason
After a great season and a summer with Team USA, Nigel Hayes-Davis had interest from the NBA. However… “At the end of the day, it didn’t happen. The reason isn’t important. I’ve always been someone who focuses on the things I can control. I feel like I did everything I could to prove my abilities. Sometimes things don’t go your way. Maybe this is better for me. I went through a similar process last summer, and I came back and broke a EuroLeague scoring record. We don’t know what the universe has in store for me this year, but we’ll see together.”
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Langston Galloway was named as a member of the 2024 USA Select Team, which trained alongside the USA Men’s National Team during training camp. After Team USA’s training camp, Galloway, Micah Potter and Nigel Hayes-Davis accepted invitations to serve as practice players for USA Basketball’s senior men’s national team during exhibitions in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi and London in preparation for the Paris Olympics. All three’s role is to participate in USA’s practices, workouts and even exhibition games when needed before the Olympics. “Langston has been great,” USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill told Andscape. “He was with us last year during our World Cup run as well. He really understands the FIBA game, having played professionally in Europe and being a member of our World Cup qualifying teams. He, Micah and Nigel play an important role in our overall preparation for Paris. We are thankful for their presence and contributions to our team’s success.”
Said USA Basketball’s head of men’s programming Sean Ford: “Langston’s commitment and contribution to USA Basketball has been incredible. No player had a bigger impact on getting us qualified for the World Cup than him, playing in five windows in a row and leading us to an 8-2 record. Langston, Nigel and Micah have all contributed to a successful training camp. For them to take three weeks out of their offseason to help other players train for the Olympics knowing that they won’t be able to be a part of the team in Paris is an incredibly selfless act. It is a reflection of the character of each of them and I hope this opportunity helps them advance their careers.”
Eurohoops: 👏🇺🇸 Kevin Durant believes that Nigel Hayes-Davis deserves to be in the NBA 🗣️ “He has the talent to be in the NBA. Hopefully, he gets this opportunity, but he just loves to play regardless. Hopefully, he's in the league soon".
Tim Reynolds: The plan is for Langston Galloway, Nigel Hayes-Davis and Micah Potter to stick around and assist the U.S. Olympic team with practices for at least a few more days. Select Team time ended yesterday.
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