Former Wisconsin Badger Nigel Hayes-Davis Signs Lucrative EuroLeague Deal After Bucks Waiver

The 31-year-old forward inks a long-term contract with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos after brief NBA stint.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nigel Hayes-Davis, the former Wisconsin Badgers standout, has signed a multi-year contract with Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. The deal is worth $10 million over the next six seasons, making Hayes-Davis one of the highest-paid players in the European league.

Why it matters

Hayes-Davis was a star player in the EuroLeague the past few seasons, winning the Final Four MVP award. His return to the European game after a short NBA stint will allow him to continue showcasing his skills on the international stage and potentially earn a return to the NBA down the line.

The details

After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged just 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in limited minutes, Hayes-Davis has signed a long-term contract with Panathinaikos in Greece. The deal runs through 2028 and is worth $10 million, making him the third-highest paid player in the EuroLeague behind Vasilije Micic and Kendrick Nunn.

  • Hayes-Davis was waived by the Bucks in January 2026.
  • He officially signed with Panathinaikos on February 12, 2026.

The players

Nigel Hayes-Davis

A 31-year-old forward who starred at the University of Wisconsin and has been a top player in the EuroLeague the past few seasons.

Panathinaikos

A professional basketball club based in Athens, Greece that competes in the EuroLeague, one of the top professional basketball competitions in Europe.

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What they’re saying

“Nigel Hayes-Davis becomes one of the highest paid players in Europe”

— Eurohoops (Eurohoops)

What’s next

Hayes-Davis will look to help Panathinaikos, currently tied for sixth place in the EuroLeague standings, climb the ranks and secure a playoff berth.

The takeaway

After a brief NBA stint, Nigel Hayes-Davis has returned to the EuroLeague, where he has established himself as one of the top players. His lucrative contract with Panathinaikos shows the value placed on his talent and experience in the European game.