After seven years overseas, Nigel Hayes-Davis is officially back in the NBA. The move comes after a spectacular run with Fenerbahce Istanbul that ended in European basketball glory.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on X on Monday. Charania reported that Hayes-Davis signed a fully guaranteed one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns.
“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 the NBA,” Charania reported.
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. pic.twitter.com/4f75izENgM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
It marked the 30-year-old forward’s first secured NBA contract since leaving the league in 2018.
Nigel Hayes-Davis’ Career Highlights
Hayes-Davis’ NBA journey has come full circle. He last appeared in the league during the 2017–18 season. He split time between the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. However, his role was limited as he played just nine total games, averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds.
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Since then, the former Wisconsin Badger has flourished abroad. He recently led Fenerbahce to its second EuroLeague championship and was named the Final Four MVP. Over the 2024–25 season, Hayes-Davis averaged 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
the phoenix suns signed one of the best players in europe 👏
— buckets (@buckets) July 1, 2025
nigel hayes-davis is a euroleague champion, final four mvp, & made 1st team all euroleague 2 years in a row pic.twitter.com/yNKEcPpX27
His efforts earned him a spot on the All-EuroLeague First Team for a second straight year. Hayes-Davis also made history two seasons ago by setting the EuroLeague’s single-game scoring record.
Before going pro, Hayes-Davis built a standout collegiate resume at the University of Wisconsin. He helped guide the Badgers to the 2015 NCAA championship game. Though his early NBA opportunities were limited, his international success has offered him a new opportunity in Phoenix. For Hayes-Davis, it’s a hard-earned return to the league and perhaps a second chapter worth the wait.
