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The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.8 million with Croatian forward Mario Hezonja, marking his return to the NBA after a six-year absence. The 31-year-old last played in the league in 2020 and spent the intervening years establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier wings while competing for Real Madrid.
Hezonja was selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2015 with considerable fanfare, but failed to meet lofty expectations during his tenure in the league. Over five seasons with Orlando, New York and Portland, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 330 games before exiting the NBA.
Rather than fade into obscurity, Hezonja rebuilt his career abroad, emerging as a standout player in European competition. He captured a EuroLeague championship and earned Liga Endesa MVP honors last season, demonstrating significant improvement since his NBA departure.
For Cleveland, the signing represents a calculated gamble with minimal financial risk and potential upside. The 6-foot-8 wing brings experience competing at an elite international level, offering depth to the roster with limited downside exposure should the transition prove unsuccessful.
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