Hezonja returns to the NBA after six years, signing a one-year contract with the Cavaliers.

August 1st news, According to the Associated Press, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Croatian forward Mario Hezonja to a one-year contract. The La Liga MVP returns to the NBA after a six-year absence .

Hezonja played for Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid for the past four seasons, averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds , and 2.4 assists per game in the 2025-26 season, and winning the Spanish league MVP award . He also previously played for Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos and Russian team Kazan Yonex, accumulating rich experience in European competitions.

Hezonja was selected 5th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2015 NBA draft . He subsequently played for the Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers, playing a total of 5 seasons in the NBA, averaging 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in eight years last season . With Dean Wade and Keon Ellis leaving in free agency, the team needs to strengthen its frontcourt depth, and Hezonja's arrival will provide the team's wing players with experience and immediate impact.

Image source: Internet