Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to debut in the EuroLeague and has made strides in the European market by signing players like Vasilije Micić, Elijah Bryant, Dan Oturu, and Chris Jones.

However, according to the club’s owner Ofer Yannay, they were close to another blockbuster signing over the summer.

“ We were sure we were bringing Nigel Hayes-Davis. We were sure it was happening. He had an option to go to the NBA, and he basically said, ‘I’ll try to get a contract in the NBA, and if I don’t, I’ll come to you,’ ” Yannay said, speaking to the team’s official channels.

The former Fenerbahce star, EuroLeague Final Four MVP and record holder for most points in an EuroLeague game with 50, ended up signing a deal with the Phoenix Suns to play in the NBA.

“ We talked, and that’s what was suppos

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