League: EuroLeague Sport: Basketball Country: Global Category: Transactions

Mario Hezonja signs one-year contract with Cleveland Cavaliers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 4:40 PM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Mario Hezonja signs one-year contract with Cleveland Cavaliers

Summary

Mario Hezonja has signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking his return to the NBA after six years. The Croatian forward played the past four years with Real Madrid, where he was named the Spanish League MVP this past season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Hezonja was previously the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and played five seasons in the league with Orlando, New York, and Portland. The Cavaliers are looking to bolster their front court following the departures of Dean Wade and Keon Ellis during free agency.

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Status Watch

•Hezonja returns to NBA after playing in Europe for four years.
•He averaged 13.3 points per game last season in the Spanish League.
•Cleveland seeks depth in the front court after losing Wade and Ellis.
•Hezonja was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Latest Updates

4:40 PMYahoo Sports — Spanish League MVP Mario Hezonja returns to NBA on 1-year contract with Cleveland Cavaliers

What they're saying

"
Forward Mario Hezonja will return to the NBA for the first time in six years after signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hezonja has played the last four years for Real Madrid and was the Spanish League MVP after averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists this past season. The 31-year-old from Croatia was the fifth overall pick by Orlando in the 2015 NBA draft and played five seasons for the Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cleveland Cavaliers New York Knicks EuroLeague Basketball

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Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 4:40 PM
Spanish League MVP Mario Hezonja returns to NBA on 1-year contract with Cleveland Cavaliers
Forward Mario Hezonja will return to the NBA for the first time in six years after signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hezonja has played the last four years for Real Madrid and was the Spanish League MVP after averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists this past season. The 31-year-old from Croatia was the fifth overall pick by Orlando in the 2015 NBA draft and played five seasons for the Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.

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