Guard Talen Horton-Tucker, a five-year NBA veteran, is nearing an agreement with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com. The 24-year-old is still seeking another NBA opportunity, but if a satisfactory offer does not appear, he is expected to finalize a move to the reigning EuroLeague champions.
Bugra Uzar of Eurohoops.net reported that the sides have reached a provisional deal, which will be completed once Horton-Tucker makes his final decision.
From NBA Champion to Free Agent
Selected 46th overall in the 2019 draft, Horton-Tucker captured an NBA title as a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He spent three seasons with the Lakers before being traded to the Utah Jazz during the 2022 offseason.
The Chicago native logged two seasons in Utah and posted a career-high 41 points on 15-for-25 shooting in a 128-117 victory at San Antonio on Mar. 29, 2023. After entering unrestricted free agency last summer without a guaranteed contract, he accepted a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal with his hometown Chicago Bulls in September.
Role With the Bulls
Horton-Tucker earned a spot on the Bulls’ opening-night roster and appeared in 58 games off the bench last season, averaging 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 12.5 minutes. He shot 45.7% from the floor and a career-best 33.6% from three-point range. In April, he raised his production to 13.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists, helping Chicago win six of its final seven contests.
Fenerbahce Roster Taking Shape
If the deal is completed, Horton-Tucker would join a Fenerbahce squad already featuring former NBA players Onuralp Bitim, Wade Baldwin IV, Khem Birch, Nicolo Melli and Brandon Boston Jr. The club recently lost Nigel Hayes-Davis, a key figure in its EuroLeague title run, to the Phoenix Suns.
No timetable has been disclosed for Horton-Tucker’s decision, but Fenerbahce opens its EuroLeague title defense this fall.
Source: Basketball Insiders
