Nigel Hayes-Davis Eyes Historic EuroLeague Payday After NBA Stint Ends
Nigel Hayes-Davis may be on his way out of the NBA, but his next move could land him in the EuroLeague history books - and not just for what he does on the court.
After being cut by the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the trade deadline, Hayes-Davis is now fielding major interest from three EuroLeague powerhouses: Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, and Hapoel Tel Aviv. According to reports, all three clubs are offering serious money - enough to potentially make Hayes-Davis the highest-paid player in the league.
Let that sink in: from a limited bench role in the NBA to possibly becoming the top earner in Europe. That’s a rare kind of pivot, but one that makes perfect sense when you look at what Hayes-Davis has already accomplished overseas.
A Champion in Europe, A Role Player in the NBA
Hayes-Davis isn’t just another American player heading back across the Atlantic - he’s a reigning EuroLeague champion. Last season, he was the driving force behind Fenerbahce’s run to the 2025 EuroLeague title, and his impact was undeniable.
He didn’t just contribute; he dominated. Hayes-Davis earned Final Four MVP honors, cementing his status as one of the top players in Europe.
That breakout performance opened the door to the NBA, where he signed with the Phoenix Suns. But the opportunity never quite materialized.
He struggled to find minutes, averaging fewer than eight per game and scoring under two points per outing. For a player who had just carried a team to a continental title, it was a stark contrast - and a reminder of how tough it can be to find your footing in the NBA’s crowded rotations.
The Bucks picked him up, but the stint was short-lived. Now, the EuroLeague wants him back - and they’re ready to pay up.
The Bidding War Begins
The reported suitors - Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, and Hapoel Tel Aviv - are no strangers to chasing championships, and they clearly believe Hayes-Davis can help deliver one. What’s more, they’re willing to meet his price.
To bring Hayes-Davis back to Europe, teams are reportedly ready to surpass the current top salary in the league, which belongs to Kendrick Nunn and sits north of $5 million annually. That’s the bar, and Hayes-Davis’ camp has made it clear: if he’s coming back, it’ll be as the highest-paid player in the EuroLeague.
It’s not just about the money, though. For Hayes-Davis, this could be a chance to return to a league where he’s not just respected - he’s revered. He’s proven he can lead a team on the biggest stage in Europe, and now he has the leverage to turn that into a record-breaking deal.
What’s Next?
No decision has been made yet, but the interest is real, and the offers are on the table. The question now is where Hayes-Davis wants to take his talents - back to familiar territory in Fenerbahce, a new challenge with Panathinaikos, or a fresh chapter in Tel Aviv.
Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: Nigel Hayes-Davis is about to become a central figure in the EuroLeague once again. And this time, it won’t just be for his play - it’ll be for setting a new financial standard in European basketball.
From Final Four MVP to NBA role player, and now potentially the face of EuroLeague free agency - Hayes-Davis’ journey is a reminder of how many paths there are to basketball stardom.