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Former LA Lakers player Nigel Hayes-Davis, who completed a historic performance with Turkish team Fenerbahce by winning the EuroLeague, the Turkish Cup, and earning MVP honors in both competitions, has signed a fully guaranteed one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The move marks a return to the NBA for the American forward, who had expressed his desire to leap back to the league after a dominant 2024–25 campaign in Europe.
His departure from Fenerbahce had long been anticipated, with the club publicly acknowledging interest from NBA teams. His contract reportedly included a manageable buyout clause, paving the way for the transfer.
Hayes-Davis went undrafted in 2017 but previously spent time in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings. He later built a strong reputation in Europe with stints at Galatasaray, Zalgiris Kaunas, and Barcelona before joining Fenerbahce in 2025 and leading the club to continental glory.
The shooting forward also earned recognition last year as a member of the European select team that scrimmaged against Team USA in preparation for the Paris Olympics, cementing his status as one of the top players on the continent.
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