Cavaliers sign Mario Hezonja after missing out on LeBron James
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 8:28 PM
Last updated Jul 26, 2026
The Cleveland Cavaliers signed former lottery pick Mario Hezonja to a one-year, $2.8 million contract on July 26, 2026, after LeBron James chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers. This signing comes as part of the Cavaliers' contingency plan following their pursuit of James. Hezonja, once the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, has rebuilt his career overseas, earning MVP honors in Liga ACB last season. The Cavaliers view Hezonja as a low-risk addition to bolster their roster, providing depth around stars like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden while maintaining financial flexibility for future moves.
- •Cavaliers signed Mario Hezonja after losing LeBron James to the 76ers.
- •Hezonja returns to the NBA after successful overseas stints.
- •Cavaliers maintain flexibility for future roster moves.
- •Hezonja won Liga ACB MVP honors last season.
- •Cavaliers aim for another deep playoff run after last season's success.
- 8:28 PMYahoo Sports — Cavaliers Sign Former No. 5 Pick After Missing on LeBron James
"The Cavaliers had a backup plan ready after LeBron James chose the 76ers—and they wasted no time putting it into action. The post Cavaliers Sign Former No. 5 Pick After Missing on LeBron James appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Nov 6, 2026, 12:28 AMJaylin Williams injury update: Will OKC Thunder forward make return vs. Grizzlies?
NBA•Nov 6, 2026, 12:25 AMScottie Barnes Sets Championship Expectations for Toronto Raptors
NBA•Nov 6, 2026, 12:20 AM25 NBA Stars Most Likely Gone By The 2027 NBA Trade Deadline- NBA•Nov 6, 2026, 12:13 AMLakers hire Will Iger, son of new co-owner Bob Iger, as next G League announcer
NBA•Nov 5, 2026, 10:38 PMCeltics’ Paul George makes it clear what Boston needs from Mitchell Robinson
NBA•Nov 5, 2026, 10:26 PMBill Simmons gets 100% real on NBA’s 82-game schedule
