Mario Hezonja activates NBA buyout clause, leaves Real Madrid after four seasons

Mario Hezonja has decided to leave Real Madrid and return to the NBA, activating a buyout clause in his contract before it expired on Monday, 20 July 2026. The news was first reported by Spanish journalist Chema de Lucas and confirmed by multiple Greek outlets.

The decision and the clause

Hezonja was under contract with Real Madrid until 2029, but his deal contained a specific NBA-out option that allowed him to depart for the American league. That clause had to be exercised by 20 July, and the player informed club officials of his intention to do so. Reports indicate he had grown increasingly dissatisfied following recent internal changes at the club, including the arrival of Pedro Martínez as head coach.

Hezonja has informed Real Madrid of his decision to leave the club and pursue an opportunity in the NBA.

The buyout compensation is expected to be around $850,000 to $1 million, with a significant portion covered by the NBA team that signs him. Marca reported the figure at approximately one million dollars (€875,925.10).

Hezonja's career path

Born on 25 February 1995 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Hezonja began his career at Barcelona before being selected fifth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He played for the Magic from 2015 to 2018, then moved to the New York Knicks (2018–19) and the Portland Trail Blazers (2019–20). After his initial NBA stint, he returned to Europe, playing for Panathinaikos and then joining Real Madrid, where he won major titles and established himself at the top level of European basketball.

Performance in the 2025/26 season

During the 2025/26 campaign, Hezonja appeared in 44 games, starting 36 of them. He averaged 22.3 minutes per contest, posting 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals. He helped Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague Final Four, where they lost to Olympiacos in the final.

What comes next

Several NBA teams have shown interest in the 30-year-old forward, though his next destination has not yet been disclosed. His departure follows that of another player, Lyles, and is described as a significant sporting blow for Real Madrid, which must now fill the gap left by a key starter ahead of the new season.