By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nigel Hayes-Davis and Tarik Biberovic have attracted interest from NBA teams, as detailed by Fenerbahce Beko general manager, Derya Yannier.
“There is serious interest in Tarık and Nigel from the NBA,” Yannier mentioned in an interview with Turkish outlet TRT Spor Yildiz on Monday, “I don’t know what will happen over there. These are factors that could actually weaken our hand and prolong the process during the summer. Even before they leave, it’s difficult to have a clear view in terms of budget and roster planning.”
“I hope both of them continue with us. But if they come to us and say, ‘I want to try my luck in the NBA, I want to pursue that dream,’ then at the end of the day, they’re our players — we’ve been through so much together — and we wouldn’t stand in anyone’s way,” he added, “If the contractual conditions are met and they make such a decision, we’ll try to find a solution accordingly.”
Hayes-Davis, 30, is a veteran of nine NBA games between the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017-18 Regular Season. Focusing his career overseas, he played for Galatasaray, Zalgiris, and FC Barcelona, before landing at Fener in 2022 and being named in the All-EuroLeague First Team over the last two years.
Biberovic, 24, has been an intriguing NBA prospect since being selected with the 56th overall pick of the 2023 draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Several teams have been following his development with the team based in Istanbul.
“Marko is one of the cornerstones of our team, a player whose name is deeply associated with this club. He currently has a contract with a team option, and our negotiations are ongoing. We’ve already taken steps toward an extension, and the process is still unfolding. I don’t expect things to be finalized before the Final Four, but hopefully, Marko stays on the team,” said Yannier, referring to 30-year-old Marko Guduric.