The Phoenix Suns agreed to a one-year contract with Nigel Hayes-Davis in free agency where they got a 6’8 shooter, scorer, and versatile defender. The 30-year-old wing has been All-EuroLeague first-team for two straight years and just won EuroLeague Final Four MVP. He is from Ohio but struggled to stick in the NBA after going undrafted in 2017. Hayes-Davis has thrived overseas for the last seven years and is ready to make a significant impact in the NBA.
The 6’8 wing averaged 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.3 minutes per game for Fenerbahce last season. He shot 46.2 percent from the field and 38.0 percent on his 3-point attempts. His ability to hit shots and make connective plays was impressive. Hayes-Davis won’t be a star, but he could instantly become a valuable rotation piece for the Suns.
Owner Mat Ishbia is quietly having a strong offseason. The Suns sent Kevin Durant packing, drafted tantalizing prospect Khaman Maluach, and traded for Mark Williams to remake their rotation. Now, they add another depth piece with unknown upside. Hayes-Davis is a rotation player on a minimum deal, so count this as an unquestioned win already.
Suns signing Nigel Hayes-Davis will be the steal of the offseason
Devin Booker and Jalen Green are bucket-getters. They will attack the defense and try to create easy scorers. That leaves Hayes-Davis spotting up in the corner and capable of consistently knocking down shots. The 6’8 wing gives Phoenix some needed size and the ability to guard multiple positions. If nothing else, head coach Jordan Ott will have more lineup flexibility.
Hayes-Davis played a total of nine games between three different teams in his first stint in the NBA. He is back seven years later to leave a mark. Getting a shooter with size was a massive need after trading Durant. Suns fans can’t expect the 30-year-old to fill the superstar’s shoes, but he will play a key role flanking Booker. Getting 20-25 minutes of consistent impactful production is a massive win on a minimum contract.
The Suns have avoided the massive risk this offseason. They had to trade KD to get flexibility. Phoenix got two quality role players and a top-ten pick for their superstar. It was far from what they paid, but solid business considering the circumstances. Ishbia hasn’t tried to make a massive splash. They are light on assets and still have work to do, but the Suns are finally making smart moves and being reasonable.
The Phoenix Suns got an absolute steal by signing Nigel Hayes-Davis to a minimum contract. The 6’8 wing will make an instant impact and likely get a larger deal in the 2026 offseason. Finding shooters with his size and length is every contender's goal. Credit to the Suns for thinking outside the box and adding a key piece on a bargain deal.