Six-year NBA veteran Talen Horton-Tucker, who has spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and, most recently, his hometown Chicago Bulls, is reportedly nearing a deal with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe S.K., the reigning EuroLeague champions.

Horton-Tucker entered the NBA in 2019 as a second-round pick by the Lakers, helping the team secure an NBA championship as a rookie in the infamous “Mickey Mouse ring”. Over the past six seasons, he has carved out a reputation as a scoring threat off the bench, averaging just over nine points per game and posting a career-high 41 points as a member of the Jazz in 2023.

Despite these flashes of potential, Horton-Tucker has struggled to secure a consistent role on an NBA roster, most likely a result of his inconsistency and inefficiency issues. His sub-30 percent shooting from three and sub-50 percent shooting from inside the arc have made his long-term future in the league increasingly uncertain.

Talen Horton-Tucker exploring overseas opportunities

That uncertainty has been especially evident this offseason, with Horton-Tucker remaining an unrestricted free agent following his lone season with the Chicago Bulls, just weeks away from preseason tip-off on October 2nd.

While exploring alternative options, Horton-Tucker is reportedly considering a pause in his NBA career to join Fenerbahçe. The basketball club based in Istanbul, fresh off its second EuroLeague title since 2017, offers him a chance to play on one of the most competitive stages outside the NBA, while also keeping the door open for a potential return to the league.

Winning aside, Fenerbahçe also owns a strong track record of attracting former NBA players looking to revitalize their careers. The current roster includes former NBA players Wade Baldwin, Nicolo Melli, Brandon Boston Jr., and Devon Hall, as well as former Chicago Bulls two-way player Onuralp Bitim.

A move to Fenerbahçe S.K. would allow Horton-Tucker to step into a significant role on a winning team and rebuild his confidence against some of the best competition outside of the United States.

Keeping the NBA door open

While the 24-year-old guard has yet to commit until he is completely out of NBA opportunities, the reported one-year contract is valued at around $1 million, a deal that is likely much more lucrative than the non-guaranteed or two-way deals he could receive in the NBA this year.

For Horton-Tucker, this move does not close the door on returning to the NBA. At just 24, he still has time to increase his efficiency, develop his game, and potentially return to the league. Whether this move to the EuroLeague is used as a single developmental season or the start of a long overseas career, Horton-Tucker is still a talented basketball player with the opportunity to earn millions and have a significant impact, no matter where he plays.