Phoenix Suns Sign EuroLeague Champion Nigel Hayes‑Davis on One‑Year Deal

Phoenix Suns Sign EuroLeague Champion Nigel Hayes‑Davis on One‑Year Deal

Phoenix has signed EuroLeague Final Four MVP Nigel Hayes‑Davis to a fully guaranteed one‑year deal Explore his overseas dominance NBA return and what he brings to the Suns .

Suns Secure EuroLeague Star to Bolster Frontline

The Phoenix Suns have made a significant offseason move by signing forward Nigel Hayes‑Davis to a fully guaranteed one‑year contract The addition brings an elite international player back to the NBA after years of dominance in Europe .

One Year Fully Guaranteed Contract

On June 30 2025 ESPNs Shams Charania reported that Hayes‑Davis had agreed to a one year fully guaranteed deal with Phoenix The 30 year old forward is coming off a spectacular season with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe where he demonstrated both elite scoring ability and veteran leadership .

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European Excellence and Championship Pedigree

Hayes‑Davis recently led Fenerbahçe to a 2025 EuroLeague title capping off a brilliant campaign He averaged 16.8 points 5.2 rebounds and shot 42.3 percent from three point range across 34 EuroLeague contests In the championship game he notched 23 points and 9 rebounds earning Final Four MVP honors .

His most memorable performance came in March 2024 when he exploded for a EuroLeague record 50 points against Alba Berlin cementing his status as one of the top American talents overseas .

NBA Endorsements and Rising Interest

Despite not playing in the NBA since 2018 Hayes‑Davis has remained on the radar of NBA scouts During USA Basketball Select Team practices in 2024 Suns star Kevin Durant praised Hayes‑Davis stating He has the talent to be in the NBA he just loves to play regardless .

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reportedly traveled to Turkey earlier this year to scout Hayes‑Davis in person According to Fenerbahçe officials the forward received very serious interest from multiple NBA teams before choosing Phoenix .

Career Journey From Undrafted to International Standout

Early NBA Stints

Hayes‑Davis starred at the University of Wisconsin from 2013 to 2017 earning All Big Ten honors before entering the 2017 NBA Draft He went undrafted but played briefly for the Los Angeles Lakers Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings logging nine NBA appearances during the 2017–18 season .

Thriving in Europe

After leaving the NBA Hayes‑Davis built a stellar career overseas He played in Turkey Lithuania and Spain including impactful stints with Galatasaray and Žalgiris Kaunas Since joining Fenerbahçe in 2022 he has won the Turkish League and Turkish Cup further solidifying his legacy abroad .

Return to the NBA

His 2024–25 campaign with Fenerbahçe marked a career peak with record breaking performances a EuroLeague championship and MVP recognition all setting the stage for his return to the NBA .

Why Phoenix Made the Move

The Suns needed additional frontcourt depth behind stars like Kevin Durant and Royce ONeale Hayes‑Davis brings a valuable combination of perimeter shooting high basketball IQ and elite conditioning At 6 foot 7 he offers positional versatility floor spacing and playoff experience in high stakes international competition .

What to Expect

Role Hayes‑Davis is expected to compete for rotation minutes at the forward position likely backing up Durant and ONeale .
Fit His spot up shooting and off ball movement make him an ideal complement in Phoenixs system .
Impact His mature presence championship experience and proven scoring ability could be a hidden gem for a team chasing a title .

Final Take

Nigel Hayes‑Davis isnt just returning to the NBA he is returning as a champion MVP and one of the most respected American players in Europe For the Suns this signing is more than just depth it is a strategic investment in veteran reliability international experience and winning mentality .

Phoenix may have just added the most underrated piece of the offseason .