The Cleveland Cavaliers remain confident Mario Hezonja will be released by Real Madrid and join their regular rotation.
The Cleveland Cavaliers remain confident that Mario Hezonja will join the team despite the delay in finalizing his departure from Real Madrid.
Position
SF
Age
31
Height
206 cm
Weight
110 kg
Birth place
Dubrovnik, Croatia
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are completing the necessary steps to secure Hezonja’s release from his existing contract with the Spanish powerhouse.
Although the signing has not yet been officially announced, sources told Fedor there is no concern within the Cavs organization that the agreed deal is in jeopardy.
Hezonja reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Cleveland, setting up his return to the NBA for the first time since 2020.
Cavaliers working to secure Hezonja’s release
The remaining obstacle involves Hezonja’s Real Madrid agreement.
The Croatian forward signed a five-year extension with the Spanish club in July 2024, keeping him under contract through the summer of 2029. Cleveland must therefore complete the proper release process before making his NBA contract official.
“Although the deal has not yet been made official, sources tell cleveland.com that the Cavaliers are working through the proper steps to get Hezonja released from his Real Madrid pact,” Fedor reported.
“There is no concern about the agreed-to deal being in jeopardy.”
On top of that, Hezonja posted an IG story where he is in Cleveland.
Credit Alamy/Scanpix
Cleveland expects Hezonja to have regular rotation role
The Cavaliers are not expected to view Hezonja merely as an end-of-the-bench addition.
According to Fedor, Cleveland believes the 31-year-old can become an every-night member of the rotation and provide much-needed depth at both forward positions.
“Cleveland’s expectation is Hezonja will be in the team’s every-night rotation,” Fedor wrote.
The Cavaliers needed another versatile frontcourt option after Dean Wade left the organization to sign a four-year, $39 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Wade made a career-high 38 starts during the 2025-26 regular season and appeared in all 18 of Cleveland’s playoff games, frequently contributing at both forward positions.
Hezonja could help fill that vacancy while offering more individual scoring and offensive creation.
Hezonja returns after MVP season with Real Madrid
Hezonja is returning to the NBA after producing one of the strongest seasons of his European career.
He was named the 2025-26 Liga Endesa MVP after averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and one steal during the regular season.
The Croatian international also recorded a memorable 40-point performance against UCAM Murcia, adding 11 rebounds and six assists while making eight three-pointers.
Hezonja reached 300 appearances for Real Madrid during his fourth season with the club. He helped Madrid win seven trophies, including the 2023 EuroLeague championship and three Spanish league titles.
Credit AP-Scanpix
Hezonja preparing for second NBA stint
The Orlando Magic selected Hezonja with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
He spent three seasons in Orlando before playing for the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. Across 330 NBA games, including 69 starts, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
After leaving the NBA, he represented Panathinaikos, UNICS Kazan, and Real Madrid, rebuilding his reputation as one of Europe’s leading forwards.
James Harden expected to take another roster spot
Hezonja’s signing would give Cleveland 13 players under standard contracts, leaving two available roster places.
According to Fedor, unrestricted free agent James Harden is expected to occupy one of those remaining spots.
Harden declined his $42.3 million player option earlier in the offseason, but the Cavaliers have continued working toward a new agreement with the veteran guard.
Cleveland acquired Harden during the 2025-26 season and reached the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the eventual champion New York Knicks.
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