Panathinaikos AKTOR has set off a transfer “bomb” by acquiring Nigel Hayes-Davis, with Dimitris Giannakopoulos officially announcing the agreement with the American power forward, who signed a 2.5-year contract (reportedly worth around €10,000,000).

In recent weeks, Panathinaikos had been pursuing a major colpo grosso, taking advantage of the fact that Hayes-Davis had not reached a final decision about his future, with his case at the center of transfer speculation.

The announcement by Dimitris Giannakopoulos

The final development came directly from Dimitris Giannakopoulos, who confirmed that the player had sent back his signed contract and that only formalities remain for the completion of the transfer.

“I’d very much like to be down in Sounio with Fry, but I’m too lazy to go down at this hour. Athlete Nigel Hayes-Davis will be playing for Panathinaikos for the next 2.5 years. Good night,” the owner of the “Greens” posted in his story.

The American forward is expected in Athens within the next 24 hours in order to immediately join the team.

He is arriving in Athens to join the squad

With the signing complete, Panathinaikos AKTOR adds to its roster a player considered among the top at his position in Europe, in a move that shifts the balance and significantly strengthens the team ahead of its upcoming commitments.

For months, the strongman of the “clover” had foreshadowed the arrival of an athlete who would change the landscape. The management moved methodically, exhausting every possibility to add the missing piece that would elevate the team to another level. Hayes-Davis was a primary target from the outset, but the case was far from simple.

The first and decisive step was his release from the NBA. After being traded by the Suns and then departing from the Bucks, the 31-year-old forward found himself at a career crossroads, having to choose between continuing to chase the “dream” across the Atlantic or returning to Europe as a leading figure.

Powerful suitors entered the race for his signature. Hapoel Tel Aviv submitted a highly competitive offer, leveraging the player’s connection with Dimitris Itoudis, while Fenerbahçe invested in the familiar environment and shared memories from winning the title in Abu Dhabi. The outcome appeared wide open.

Panathinaikos, however, did not back down. Despite the player’s initial hesitation, the “Greens” persisted, increased their pressure, and returned with improved terms, both on a sporting and strategic level. The result was the scales tipping toward Athens and the completion of one of the most high-profile transfers in Europe in recent years, just hours after it became known that Fenerbahçe had withdrawn from the race.

All that remains now is his arrival in the Greek capital and his official presentation by the club.

Who is Nigel Hayes-Davis

Nigel Hayes-Davis is an American forward, born on December 16, 1994, in Ohio, who primarily plays at the “3” and “4” positions. Standing 2.01 meters tall (6’7”), he represents a modern, versatile forward, combining size, athleticism, and perimeter shooting ability. His game is characterized by high basketball IQ, defensive intensity, and the ability to adapt to different roles on the court.

He first gained prominence in the United States during his time at the University of Wisconsin, where he played a leadership role and stood out for his maturity and consistency. Although he did not establish himself in the NBA, he spent time with organizations such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings, gaining valuable experience in the world’s top league.

On July 25, 2025, Hayes-Davis returned to the NBA and signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. On February 6, he joined the Milwaukee Bucks via trade and was immediately waived, prompting several EuroLeague teams to examine his case.

In the EuroLeague, he has made 213 appearances with Zalgiris, Barcelona, and Fenerbahçe—primarily under coach Sarunas Jasikevicius. In his most recent season with the Turkish team, where he was crowned 2025 European champion, he averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals. Hayes-Davis also holds the EuroLeague single-game scoring record, with 50 points.