Mario Hezonja Cavaliers deal brings former No. 5 pick back to NBA
Mario Hezonja agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million Cavaliers deal after four seasons with Real Madrid, his agent told ESPN.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Mario Hezonja Cavaliers buzz is back on the NBA board: the Croatian wing has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Cleveland, agent Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management told ESPN.
ESPN reported that the deal gives Hezonja another shot in the league after he last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season. Cleveland, fresh off a run to the Eastern Conference finals, is set to use him in a key wing role, according to the report.
Hezonja arrives with a familiar label and a fresh European résumé. ESPN noted that he was the No. 5 pick in the 2015 NBA draft, then rebuilt his stock during a four-season spell with Real Madrid.
Who is Mario Hezonja?
Hezonja is a 6-foot-8 forward from Croatia who spent five seasons in the NBA before moving back to Europe. ESPN reported that he played his first three NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, then had one-year stops with the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Across those five NBA seasons, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds, mostly coming off the bench, according to ESPN. His return now comes with Cleveland betting that his Real Madrid form can travel.
That form has been decorated. ESPN reported that Hezonja won the EuroLeague championship with Real Madrid in 2024 and was named ACB League MVP for the 2025-26 season.
Why did the Cavaliers sign Mario Hezonja?
ESPN framed the agreement as a chance for Hezonja to revive his NBA career entering his sixth season in the league. The Cavaliers are adding a veteran-sized wing after a deep playoff run, with the report saying he is expected to have an important role on the wing.
Cleveland was not the only NBA team sniffing around. Hezonja drew strong interest from both the Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors about an NBA return after his Real Madrid stretch, sources told ESPN.
The move also gives Cleveland another player with international and NBA experience without a long-term commitment. The reported one-year structure keeps the deal short while giving Hezonja a clear runway to prove that his EuroLeague production can fit back into an NBA rotation.
For Hezonja, the agreement closes a long gap between NBA games. After entering the league as a high lottery pick and spending much of his first stint as a reserve, he now returns after winning major honors in Europe and landing with one of the East’s top teams.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.