Mario Hezonja returns to NBA with one-year, $2.8 million Cavaliers deal

The signing

Mario Hezonja agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.8 million (about €2.5 million) with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The 31-year-old Croatian forward exercised a buyout clause in his Real Madrid contract, paying €850,000 to free himself. The Golden State Warriors also showed interest, but Hezonja chose the Cavaliers, where he is expected to have a significant role.

NBA history and departure

Hezonja previously spent five seasons in the NBA from 2015 to 2020, playing for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. Over 330 regular-season games, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just over 18 minutes per game. He also appeared in five playoff games with the Trail Blazers. After leaving the league in 2020, he returned to Europe, joining Panathinaikos in 2021, then UNICS Kazan, and finally Real Madrid.

Change of heart

During his time away from the NBA, Hezonja was openly critical of the league. In an interview with Russian outlet Tatar-inform, he said:

“There were many things I didn't like there. I'm not going back to the NBA, I didn't get the respect I deserved. Also, in my opinion, the NBA is more of a show than the game itself.”

Despite those remarks, he pursued a return, paying his own buyout to make it happen.

Recent form in Europe

Last season with Real Madrid, Hezonja averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals in 44 Euroleague games, playing 22.3 minutes per contest. Those numbers marked a significant improvement from his NBA averages, suggesting he has developed into a more complete player during his six years in Europe.

What to expect in Cleveland

The Cavaliers are adding a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and provide secondary playmaking. Hezonja's one-year deal gives both sides flexibility; a strong season could lead to a longer-term contract, while Cleveland gets a low-risk addition to its rotation.