PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns make their first signing of the 2025 free agency period in Euroleague champion and Finals MVP Nigel Hayes-Davis to a one-year fully guaranteed deal. The former Wisconsin Badger went undrafted in 2017 before only appearing in nine games across three separate NBA teams. Hayes-Davis would go overseas to have a seven-year pro career in the Euroleague, where he led Fenerbahce Beko to a championship.
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Badgers forward Nigel Hayes rebounds over Purdue’s Vince Edwards in the 2015 Big Ten tournament. Syndication: Milwaukee
Suns sign Hayes-Davis from Euroleague:
Hayes-Davis had a stellar four-year collegiate career with the Badgers. He was a key part of the Wisconsin team that eliminated undefeated Kentucky, that had NBA players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker in 2015. However, the Badgers would lose in the National championship to Duke 68-63, where Hayes-Davis recorded 13 points on 5-10 shooting.
After going undrafted and leaving the NBA, Hayes-Davis had a seven-year pro career overseas, averaging 10.6 points and 4.0 rebounds on 47.1% from the field. During his 2025 campaign, the 30-year-old had his best year of his career, recording 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 34 Euroleague games. Hayes-Davis then led Fenerbache Beko to a 27-3 reboud in the Basketbol Super Ligi, where he averaged 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 25 games.
Apr 3, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Nigel Hayes (40) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Alec Peters (25) in the fourth quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Hayes-Davis is a 6’8 forward that shoots 39.5% from beyond the arc and has the intangibles to defend in the NBA. This will be his first opportunity back in the NBA since the 2017-2018 season. Phoenix adds one of the best overseas players to a roster that could use another lengthy 3-D wing. General manager Brian Gregory’s first ever free agent signing in his tenure with the Suns will be Hayes-Davis, and could be looked back fondly on what he’ll bring the team.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
