Mario Hezonja returns to NBA after six years in the EuroLeague

Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA for the first time since 2020 after signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN reported Sunday.

The contract for the Croatia native, who was selected fifth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, is reportedly worth $2.8 million.

Hezonja, 31, spent the past six years playing in the EuroLeague, including the last four seasons with Real Madrid, where he emerged as a key player. He helped Real Madrid win the EuroLeague championship in 2023 and was named the MVP of Liga ACB for the 2025-26 season after averaging 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

The Golden State Warriors also pursued the former lottery pick, according to the report. However, the Cavaliers secured his services as they aim to build on their run to the Eastern Conference finals last season, their first appearance in the conference finals since 2018.

Hezonja last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He previously played for the Orlando Magic from 2015-18 and the New York Knicks during the 2018-19 season.

In 330 career NBA games, including 69 starts, Hezonja has averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 41.7% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range.

—Field Level Media/Reuters