Devon Hall came to Europe as an NBA castaway looking for a second chance. Five years later, he is an EuroLeague champion, a serial winner, and one of the most respected guards on the continent. Now, with his contract at Fenerbahce expiring, the American guard appears set to close the circle, heading back to the city where his European story truly began – Milan.
When Devon Hall arrived in Europe in the summer of 2020, he was 25 years old and coming off a two-way contract season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he appeared in ten games.
Hall had already gained his first experience outside the United States by choosing to play for the Cairns Taipans in Australia immediately after college.
The Thunder selected Hall with the 53rd overall pick in the 2018 draft, but he headed overseas following Summer League since the franchise did not have immediate plans to integrate him into the roster.
A strong season in Australia eventually convinced Oklahoma City to offer him a two-way contract in the summer of 2019, but Hall remained with the team only until they waived him that December.
From the NBA to European stardom
Hall finished the 2019-20 season in the G League and then decided to try his luck in European basketball, signing a contract with Bamberg in Germany.
The German club's decision proved wise, as Hall made an immediate and significant impact in his first European season.
His stats in the Basketball Champions League were equally impressive, with averages of 12.5 points and 3 rebounds per game.
Several EuroLeague clubs began monitoring his progress because of his increasingly intriguing profile.
Credit FIBA
A big guard capable of making an impact on both ends of the court, Hall was a player who could facilitate playmaking without requiring high usage to remain effective.
What happened after his season in Bamberg is something we've all witnessed. First at Olimpia Milan and then at Fenerbahce, Hall emerged as one of the best two-way guards in Europe, earning near-universal acclaim from major figures in European basketball.
In three seasons in Milan, Hall became a key player in Ettore Messina's system, winning three Italian championships and one Italian Cup, though his tenure included just a single EuroLeague playoff appearance.
Then, in 2024, he joined Fenerbahce and won every major trophy, culminating in a EuroLeague title at the Abu Dhabi Final Four.
The 2024's decision
In 2024, Devon Hall's decision to leave Olimpia Milano for Fenerbahce was difficult. The player was very happy in Italy and was highly regarded by Ettore Messina and the entire club.
However, the previous two seasons with Olimpia had been difficult to accept because the team failed to qualify for the EuroLeague playoffs.
Hall felt the need for a new experience that could truly allow him to win the continent's top trophy.
Therefore, Fenerbahce's offer was highly appealing to the American player, especially after Sarunas Jasikevicius promised him a central role in the team's rotation.
Furthermore, Nicolo Melli, who had previously played for Fenerbahce and was returning alongside Hall, convinced him that moving to Istanbul was the right step.
Credit Euroleague X
The Turkish club's financial offer was substantial–exceeding twice his Milan salary–yet Hall's final choice was not primarily motivated by money.
As negotiations concluded, Milan matched Fenerbahce's financial terms; however, Hall believed the Turkish powerhouse offered a superior path to a EuroLeague title compared to staying in Milan.
Hall parted ways with the Olimpia management on good terms, keeping the door open to a potential return someday.
You always end up back where you were happy
In his first season with Fenerbahce, Hall achieved a historic "triple crown," winning the EuroLeague, the Turkish league title, and the Turkish Cup.
During the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi, Hall played an instrumental role in securing the championship.
He finished the Final Four averaging 15.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2 rebounds per game, while shooting better than 60% from the field and beyond the arc.
Maurizio Gherardini, the former Fenerbahce executive and current president of the Italian Lega Basket, called Hall the "true MVP" of that remarkable season.
"In many ways, Hall was the true MVP of our season", Gherardini explained to Backdoor Podcast. "He was amazing in the Final Four, but it wasn't only that. He provided us with balance, quality on both sides of the court, and a consistently positive impact. He instilled confidence in the team's efforts".
The return to Milano gains momentum
Once again this season, Fenerbahce appear ready to contend for every major title, with Hall remaining a vital piece of Coach Jasikevicius' plans.
The American player's contract, however, expires this summer, and his future may lead him away from Istanbul.
As previously reported here on BasketNews, Devon Hall appears set to leave Fenerbahce at the end of the season and is leaning toward a return to Milan.
While Hall thoroughly enjoyed his tenure at Fener and maintained an excellent relationship with Coach Jasikevicius, he has achieved nearly all his goals in Turkey.
Credit Image – Scanpix
With his contract expiring, Hall is now prioritizing lifestyle factors alongside his basketball career.
Initial contact between Hall's entourage and Olimpia's management began several months ago, sources told BasketNews, and from the start, the club's strong desire to bring the player back to Italy was evident.
Olimpia's new head coach, Peppe Poeta–who was an assistant during Hall's 2023-24 season in Milan–views the guard as the ideal cornerstone for a defensive-minded, fast-paced roster.
Olimpia Milan's Offer
In recent months, Milan also explored re-signing Nicolo Melli, whose contract is also expiring; however, Melli seems likely to extend with Fenerbahce, as reported by Donatas Urbonas.
Although the deal is not yet fully finalized, Hall appears strongly inclined to return to Olimpia Milan, despite Fenerbahce's interest in keeping him and offers from other EuroLeague clubs, including Olympiacos and Dubai.
In recent days, rumors have circulated about an offer from Olimpia to Hall of approximately €2.5 million per season.
However, sources familiar with the situation have told BasketNews that Hall's next contract will likely be closer to €2 million per season–a significant raise over his current salary.
Now that Hall has recovered from the injury that sidelined him in recent weeks, he can focus on the final stretch of the season and try to repeat last year's incredible successes.
When the curtain falls on this season, Hall will be able to focus on his future, which seems to be taking on more and more Italian colors.
After all, you always go back to where you've been happy, right?
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
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