Cavaliers still working to finalize one-year deal with Mario Hezonja
cavaliers-still-working-to-finalize-one-year-deal-with-mario-hezonja
The Cleveland Cavaliers and forward Mario Hezonja have an agreement in place on a one-year contract, but the signing has not yet been completed as the two sides finish the required paperwork.
NBA reporter Marc Stein noted that Cleveland continues to “finalize the process” needed to secure the 29-year-old Croatian’s return to the league. Hezonja’s current club, Real Madrid, reportedly included an NBA out clause that expired on July 20. According to Stein, several NBA teams, including the Cavaliers, tried to use that window to bring the veteran over.
Because Hezonja did not have an NBA contract secured until July 26, Spanish outlet reports indicate Real Madrid has resisted granting the release. That stance has fueled overseas speculation that the forward might land somewhere other than Cleveland.
Polish journalist Mateusz Babiarz cited one scenario in which the Cavaliers would help facilitate Hezonja’s exit from Real Madrid only for him to sign a lucrative contract with Dubai Basketball. Inside the organization, however, there is no indication such a plan is under consideration.
Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs said league sources expect Hezonja to be on the Cavaliers’ roster next season. “From what I’ve been told, the Cavs are planning on having Hezonja,” Cunningham wrote on X.
Until the contract is formally executed, Hezonja remains with Real Madrid, where he averaged 11.0 points in EuroLeague play last season. Cleveland has not announced a timeline for completing the signing.
Source: Hoops Wire
