Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA, signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The move marks the 31-year-old forward's comeback to the league after spending the last six seasons playing professionally in Europe. Hezonja last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season.
He most recently played for Real Madrid, where he was named the Liga ACB Most Valuable Player for the past season. During his four years with the Spanish club, Hezonja also won a EuroLeague championship in 2023 and consecutive Liga ACB titles in 2024 and 2025. He averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game with Real Madrid this past season.
Hezonja expressed his feelings about rejoining the NBA via social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "Never liked how I left the NBA but these past 5 years have been exactly what I wanted and much needed!" he posted. "I am super happy that my new chapter is with a team and organization that I have always admired and respected!"
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Hezonja played 330 games across four seasons in his first NBA tenure with the Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. He was traded to the Blazers before being dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020. He was waived by the Grizzlies shortly after, prompting his move to Europe. He began his overseas career with Greek club Panathinaikos, followed by a stint with Russian team UNICS Kazan, before joining Real Madrid.
Some of Hezonja's notable moments in the NBA include a game-winning block against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers during his 2018-19 season with the Knicks, and recording his first career triple-double the following month. The Cavaliers' signing of Hezonja comes after the team was unable to secure the return of LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this month.