NBA

Hezonja heads back to the NBA: Cavaliers land the Croatian forward after beating out the Warriors

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the 31-year-old Croatian forward will play for the Ohio franchise for one season in a $2.8 million deal.

ANGELOS TZORTZINIS

José Ignacio Pinilla Andy Hall

Update: Jul 26th, 2026 17:02 EDT

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Mario Hezonja has found his next NBA home. According to Shams Charania, the Croatian forward has agreed to a one‑year, $2.8 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking his second stint in the league.

Hezonja first arrived in 2015 as the No. 5 pick out of FC Barcelona and played for the Magic, Knicks, and Trail Blazers before leaving the NBA in 2020.

Cleveland moves quickly after LeBron’s exit

The Cavs acted fast after LeBron James chose the Philadelphia 76ers, jumping ahead of the Golden State Warriors in the race to sign Hezonja. The forward’s preference seemed clear after a cryptic message from his agent, Misko Raznatovic, posted on X back in February.

Raznatovic referenced Dubrovnik, Hezonja’s hometown, describing its historic “commercial spirit” and its evolution into something “chivalrous, equestrian.” Fans immediately interpreted the comment as a wink toward the Cavaliers — the ‘knights’.

EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/CmZV8zZIuw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 26, 2026

The Real Madrid situation: still unresolved

The big question now is how Hezonja’s departure from Real Madrid will be settled. He had until July 20 to activate his €850,000 (about $925,000) buyout clause. He didn’t pay it, leaving his status in limbo and his rights technically still held by Real Madrid, which continues to list him on its official roster.

The club could argue that the contract has been breached and demand a larger compensation to release him. Or it could accept that Hezonja communicated his intention to trigger the clause and let him leave once the payment is made — even if it arrives late.

Throwback to when Mario Hezonja denied LeBron James with the game on the line 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/KurikldOBO
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 26, 2026

He’ll earn less in the NBA than he would in Madrid

If everything gets sorted out, Hezonja will head to the NBA for less money than he was set to make with Real Madrid. The 2026 Liga Endesa MVP renewed with the club in 2024 through 2029, reportedly for more than €2 million net per season (about $2.2 million).

By contrast, the Cavs’ offer — $2.8 million gross, roughly $1.5 million net — is significantly lower.

What’s next?

Once Real Madrid and the Cavaliers finalize the paperwork, Hezonja will officially return to the NBA — this time with a chance to carve out a meaningful role on a Cavs team reshaping itself after LeBron’s departure.