Nigel Hayes-Davis Scores Big in EuroLeague Transfer Payday

Former EuroLeague Finals MVP signs lucrative deal with Panathinaikos after NBA struggles

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nigel Hayes-Davis, the former Wisconsin Badger and EuroLeague Finals MVP, has signed a lucrative contract with Greek club Panathinaikos BC after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. The deal, reportedly worth between $10-15 million over 2.5 years, makes Hayes-Davis one of the highest-paid players in the EuroLeague as he aims to revive both his own career and Panathinaikos's championship hopes.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Hayes-Davis is seen as a pivotal moment for Panathinaikos as they seek to reclaim their status among EuroLeague frontrunners. His prior success, including a Finals MVP award and a championship win, solidifies expectations that he will deliver high-impact performances. For Hayes-Davis, this transfer offers a chance to revive his career after a challenging NBA stint.

The details

After being waived by the Bucks, Hayes-Davis immediately attracted attention from three prominent EuroLeague clubs: his former team Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos BC, and Hapoel Tel Aviv. While he initially declined an offer from Panathinaikos, the Greek club ultimately secured him to the lucrative deal. This move comes as a boost for Panathinaikos, whose season has been lackluster despite its expensive lineup.

  • In February 2026, Nigel Hayes-Davis signed a contract with Panathinaikos BC.

The players

Nigel Hayes-Davis

A former Wisconsin Badger and EuroLeague Finals MVP who is now aiming to revive his career and Panathinaikos's championship hopes with a lucrative contract.

Kendrick Nunn

The current highest-paid player in the EuroLeague, who plays for Panathinaikos and posted a now-deleted Instagram comment implying Hayes-Davis did not match his on-court caliber.

Panathinaikos BC

A Greek professional basketball club that has signed Nigel Hayes-Davis to a lucrative contract in an effort to boost their EuroLeague championship ambitions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Come one bro. I get it, you won Finals MVP last year but it's levels to this sh--t, respectfully”

— Kendrick Nunn (Eurohoops)

What’s next

With the Greek team's current standing at 16-11 and sitting eighth in the league, Hayes-Davis's signing aims to boost their championship ambitions as the EuroLeague season progresses.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Nigel Hayes-Davis is seen as a pivotal moment for Panathinaikos BC, as they seek to reclaim their status among EuroLeague frontrunners. His prior success, including a Finals MVP award and a championship win, solidifies expectations that he will deliver high-impact performances and help revive the team's championship hopes.