Talen Horton-Tucker Heading to Europe’s Champions
NBA guard Talen Horton-Tucker is close to signing with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.
The 24-year-old still hopes to land another NBA contract, but if nothing appealing comes his way, he’s ready to join the reigning EuroLeague champions.
Bugra Uzar of Eurohoops.net reports that while Horton-Tucker has a deal in place with Fenerbahce, nothing will be finalized until he makes his final decision.
Horton-Tucker’s NBA journey has been a rollercoaster. Picked 46th overall in the 2019 draft, he won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 during his rookie season.
After three years in Los Angeles, he was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2022.
His time in Utah produced some impressive moments, including a career-high 41-point explosion against the Spurs in March 2023, when he shot a blistering 60% from the floor and knocked down 6 three-pointers.
Despite showing flashes of potential, the Chicago native couldn’t secure a guaranteed contract as a free agent last summer.
He returned to his hometown, signing a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal with the Bulls last September. Horton-Tucker impressed enough in training camp to earn a spot on the regular-season roster.
Coming off the bench in 58 games for Chicago last season, he averaged 6.5 points in just 12.5 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 33.6% from three-point range.
He finished strong too. In April, Horton-Tucker upped his production to 13.3 points per game, helping the Bulls win six of their final seven contests.
If he does join Fenerbahce, he’ll find familiar company. The Turkish club’s roster features several former NBA players, including Wade Baldwin IV, Khem Birch, Nicolo Melli, and Brandon Boston Jr., who played for the Pelicans last season.
The move comes as Fenerbahce looks to replace talent after losing key contributor Nigel Hayes-Davis, who signed with the Phoenix Suns this offseason.
