The Milwaukee Bucks have placed forward Nigel Hayes-Davis on waivers shortly after acquiring him from the Phoenix Suns as part of a three-team trade, the team announced in a press release.
Hayes-Davis originally made his NBA debut in 2018 but spent the next seven years outside the league before returning last offseason with Phoenix.
During his time overseas, the 6’7” forward became a star in the EuroLeague, playing a key role in Fenerbahce’s championship run and earning Final Four MVP honors last spring.
Despite translating that success into another NBA opportunity, his stint with the Suns was limited.
The 31-year-old appeared in 27 games off the bench, averaging 7.2 minutes while contributing 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, largely in garbage-time situations.
If Hayes-Davis does not immediately land with another NBA team, a return to Europe remains a realistic option. He is still eligible to sign a two-way contract, though he is not permitted to rejoin Phoenix.
From Milwaukee’s perspective, the Bucks took on salary and did not gain additional assets when they moved Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey in exchange for Ousmane Dieng and Hayes-Davis ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
With Hayes-Davis already waived, it appears the organization is prioritizing Dieng as part of the deal.
Bucks Waive Nigel Hayes-Davis https://t.co/Blvwja0WIA
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 6, 2026
