Cavaliers finalize one-year deal with veteran forward Mario Hezonja
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The Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday confirmed the signing of forward Mario Hezonja, completing a one-year agreement that returns the Croatian veteran to the NBA after six seasons overseas.
The deal was reached earlier in the week, but the announcement was delayed while Cleveland, Hezonja’s representatives and Real Madrid finalized the paperwork needed to activate the player’s NBA exit clause. Reports from Europe had questioned whether the Spanish club would release the 31-year-old, though the Cavaliers consistently maintained confidence the move would be completed.
Hezonja last played in the league during the 2019-20 season before stints in Greece, Russia and Spain. With Real Madrid, he averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season, earning Liga ACB MVP honors. He also helped Madrid capture the 2023 EuroLeague title and was named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2024.
The former No. 5 overall draft pick spent five NBA seasons with Orlando, New York and Portland from 2015 to 2020. In Cleveland, he is expected to join the regular wing rotation following the free-agency departure of Dean Wade. The Cavaliers continue to evaluate additional options on the wing, with free agents Jonathan Kuminga, DeMar DeRozan and Peyton Watson among those reportedly under consideration.
Source: Hoops Wire
