One of Europe’s finest basketball exports is heading back to the NBA. Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a result, the Croatian forward returns to the league after a six-season absence.
Mario Hezonja Cavaliers Deal Marks a Long-Awaited Return
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the agreement on Sunday. The 31-year-old last played in the NBA back in 2019-20 with Portland. Since then, he has rebuilt his reputation overseas. In fact, the Mario Hezonja Cavaliers move caps a remarkable European resurgence.
Real Madrid saw the best of him over the past four seasons. He averaged 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last term. He also refined his shooting, hitting a dependable mark from deep. Moreover, he claimed Spanish League MVP honours and lifted the 2024 EuroLeague title. Therefore, he arrives in Cleveland as a genuinely decorated veteran.
A Fresh Chance After a Rocky NBA Start
Hezonja’s first spell in the league never matched the hype. Orlando took him fifth overall in 2015, expecting a future star. However, he averaged just 6.9 points across five seasons with the Magic, Knicks and Blazers. Back then, his outside shot betrayed him at just 31.9% from three. He did flash his talent, most memorably by blocking LeBron James at the buzzer for the Knicks.
Now the timing feels right for both sides. Cleveland turned to Hezonja after missing out on LeBron in free agency. The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference finals last season and want wing depth. Consequently, he should slot straight into a key role on the wing. The signing is also Cleveland’s first notable addition of the offseason.
Golden State also chased his signature this offseason. Still, Hezonja chose Cleveland instead. Ultimately, the Mario Hezonja Cavaliers pairing looks like a smart, low-risk gamble for a contender chasing more.
