Mario Hezonja Returns to the NBA, Signs with the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Croatian forward, a first-round pick in the 2015 draft, returns to the league after six seasons in Europe and an MVP campaign with Real Madrid.
Mario Hezonja and the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal, according to ESPN. The agreement marks the return to the NBA for the 31-year-old Croatian forward, who hadn't played in the league since the 2019-20 season.
Hezonja returns to the NBA after six seasons in Europe, most recently as Liga ACB MVP.
The contract carries no guaranteed money at signing — the salary becomes fully guaranteed only if Hezonja remains on the roster past November 15.
Six Years Away from the NBA
After his initial NBA run, where he was selected in the first round of the 2015 draft, Hezonja played professionally in Greece, Russia, and Spain over the past six seasons. His most recent stint was with Real Madrid in 2025-26, where he was named Liga ACB Most Valuable Player after averaging 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
The Details of the Contract
A notable aspect of the deal, reported by Cavaliers Nation, is its structure: it's a one-year contract with no guaranteed money at signing. The $2.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed only if Hezonja remains on Cleveland's roster past November 15, which in practice functions as an in-season trial period.
The Road Back to the NBA
His time overseas included stints in Greece and Russia before landing at Real Madrid, one of Europe's most decorated clubs, where his scoring output and experience solidified him as one of the Liga ACB's best players. The 2025-26 MVP award served as the calling card that reopened the door to the NBA for a player who, at 31, arrives in Cleveland with a very different profile than the lottery prospect he was a decade ago.
What to Expect This Season
For the Cavaliers, the Hezonja bet fits within an active offseason in which the franchise is also exploring adding bigger names like DeMar DeRozan and Jonathan Kuminga. The combination of low-risk signings like Hezonja with the pursuit of higher-profile reinforcements suggests a two-track strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What contract did Mario Hezonja sign with the Cavaliers?
A one-year, $2.8 million contract with no money guaranteed at signing. The salary becomes fully guaranteed only if he remains on the roster past November 15, according to Cavaliers Nation.
Where did Mario Hezonja play before this signing?
He played in Greece, Russia, and most recently at Real Madrid, where he was named Liga ACB MVP in the 2025-26 season.
When was the last time Hezonja played in the NBA?
He hadn't played in the NBA since the 2019-20 season, following earlier stints with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.
How old is Mario Hezonja?
He is 31 years old upon his return to the NBA with the Cavaliers.
What's Confirmed and What Isn't
- Confirmed: Hezonja signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cavaliers, per ESPN.
- Confirmed: He was named Liga ACB MVP in the 2025-26 season with Real Madrid.
- Confirmed: The salary isn't guaranteed until November 15, per Cavaliers Nation.
- Not determined: His specific role within Cleveland's rotation heading into the 2026-27 season.
