Sports

Former Wisconsin basketball star reportedly receiving interest from notable NBA franchise

After a strong season overseas, it looks like a former Wisconsin basketball star may be targeting a return to the NBA. That is forward Nigel Hayes-Davis, who has spent the past three seasons with Fenerbahçe S.K. in Turkey. He is reportedly receiving interest from multiple NBA teams, most notably the Boston Celtics.

The most recent headline regarding Boston’s pursuit is that its head coach, Joe Mazzulla, attended the Turkish League Finals on June 9, in which Hayes-Davis participated. The former Badger has been rumored to be receiving NBA interest throughout his impressive 2024-25 campaign leading Fenerbahçe. Mazzulla’s attendance continues a decade-long connection between Hayes-Davis and the Celtics, outlined by Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston.

Furthermore, current Boston Celtic Luke Kornet was a teammate of Hayes-Davis on the Westchester Knicks, the G-League affiliate of the New York Knicks, which means there could be some familiar faces for Hayes-Davis if he ends up making the move from the Turkish League to Boston.

Hayes-Davis has played for three NBA franchises in his career: the Los Angeles Lakers, the Toronto Raptors, and the Sacramento Kings. While only logging nine career games at the NBA level, Hayes-Davis was still a productive player, averaging 21 minutes per game during his short stint in Sacramento.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Hayes-Davis and the Celtics agree on a deal. If they do, it will be worth monitoring what his role with the reigning champions might look like.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball star Nigel Hayes interest from Boston Celtics

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