Athens – Panathinaikos Athens has encountered setbacks in its efforts to bolster its roster with NBA talent, missing out on both Nigel Hayes-Davis and Guerschon Yabusele, according to reports emerging from Greece and France. The club’s owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, had publicly pursued both players, but ultimately saw offers rejected.
The pursuit of Hayes-Davis, the reigning EuroLeague MVP, ended with the player declining an offer from the Greek club, as announced by Giannakopoulos on social media. This followed a similar outcome with Yabusele, whose agent, Olivier Mazet, revealed in a recent podcast appearance on RMC that the player had chosen to remain in the NBA.
The failed acquisitions represent a blow to Panathinaikos, which is seeking to strengthen its position in the competitive EuroLeague. The club had reportedly come close to securing a deal with Yabusele, with Mazet stating that discussions were “very strong” and an agreement was “almost found” before the player opted to continue his career in the NBA. Yabusele’s decision came after a trade to the Chicago Bulls, where he has reportedly made a strong initial impact.
The situation highlights the increasing financial competition between European clubs and the NBA for top players. Both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Fenerbahçe Istanbul also expressed interest in Hayes-Davis, with Panathinaikos reportedly offering a financially attractive package. However, Hayes-Davis ultimately chose to explore other options, leaving Hapoel and Fenerbahçe to compete for his signature.
According to reports, Hayes-Davis’s availability arose after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks following a short stint after being traded from the Phoenix Suns. Despite his limited playing time in the NBA this season – averaging just 1.3 points in 27 games with Phoenix – his previous success in Europe, where he earned MVP honors with Fenerbahçe in 2025, made him a highly sought-after commodity.
Fenerbahçe, in particular, appears to be a logical destination for Hayes-Davis, given his successful previous tenure with the club from 2022 to 2025. The Turkish team currently leads the 2025-26 EuroLeague standings with a 19-7 record and could offer Hayes-Davis a prominent role. However, Panathinaikos and Hapoel Tel Aviv remain in contention, both capable of matching the financial benchmark set by Vasilije Micic’s contract with Hapoel, estimated at $5-6 million annually.
The pursuit of both Hayes-Davis and Yabusele underscores Panathinaikos’s ambition to build a championship-caliber team. The club has previously targeted NBA players, but has repeatedly found itself competing with the financial power and appeal of the American league. The failed attempts to secure these two players raise questions about the club’s strategy and its ability to attract top talent.
Ergin Ataman, the coach of Panathinaikos, has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of his current power forwards, Dinos Mitoglou and Juancho Hernangómez, further highlighting the need for reinforcement in that position. The club’s inability to land Hayes-Davis or Yabusele leaves them searching for alternative options as they navigate the remainder of the EuroLeague season.
The situation also reflects a broader trend of NBA players returning to Europe, often after short or unsuccessful stints in the American league. The financial incentives and opportunity to play a leading role in a competitive European league can be attractive to players who are not receiving significant playing time in the NBA. The competition for these players is fierce, with several EuroLeague clubs willing to invest heavily in securing their services.
Negotiations with Hayes-Davis remain ongoing, and other teams could potentially enter the market. No final decision has been made, and the player is weighing his options carefully. The outcome of this saga will likely have a significant impact on the balance of power in the EuroLeague, as teams vie for a competitive advantage in the playoffs.
The case of Guerschon Yabusele demonstrates the complex dynamics at play. His agent described how Yabusele “completely excited the NBA and European market,” attracting interest from numerous clubs. Despite the strong interest from Panathinaikos, Yabusele ultimately chose to pursue an opportunity with the Chicago Bulls, highlighting the enduring appeal of the NBA for many players.
