Hezonja returns to the NBA, signing a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cavaliers.

July 27th - According to ESPN , sources revealed that Croatian player Mario Hezonja has reached an agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two sides will sign a one-year, $ 2.8 million contract.

Hezonja's agent, Michael Tellum of Excel Sports Management , confirmed the trade to ESPN . The 5th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft will have the opportunity to return to the NBA after many years away , and is expected to take on important roles on the wing.

Sources revealed that during Hezonja's time playing in the European leagues, both the Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors expressed strong interest in his return to the NBA .

For the past four seasons, Hezonja played for Real Madrid, helping the team win the EuroLeague title in 2024 and being named the Spanish ACB League MVP in the 2025-26 season .

The 31- year -old Hezonja is from Croatia and has played for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers in his NBA career. In his previous five NBA seasons, the 6'3" forward primarily served as a reserve, averaging 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Image source: Internet