Updated Feb. 6, 2026, 6:37 p.m. CT

Former Wisconsin basketball standout Nigel Hayes-Davis was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks shortly after being traded to the team on Thursday, according to a press release.

Hayes-Davis was part of a three-team deal between the Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns in which he and Ousmane Dieng were traded to the Bucks. Nick Richards went to the Bulls, and Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey ended up with the Suns. The veteran Hayes-Davis is on the market with a little more than two months left in the regular season.

The former Badger, who recently returned to the NBA after a lengthy stint overseas, made 27 appearances with the Suns, though just six came after Jan. 1. He averaged 7.2 minutes, 1.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 0.3 steals per game, while shooting 32.6% from the floor, 12.5% from 3 and 50% from the free-throw line.

Hayes-Davis is looking to recapture his form from the 2024-25 campaign, when he led Fenerbahce Beko to the 2024-25 EuroLeague title. His 23 points, nine rebounds and two steals helped earn him 2025 EuroLeague Final Four MVP honors.

Hayes-Davis seeks to rejoin former Badgers Micah Potter and John Tonje in the NBA.

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