Cavs Signing EuroLeague Star Mario Hezonja
Mario Hezonja returns to the NBA after six seasons in Europe, giving Cleveland a low-cost wing option after missing on LeBron James.
- On Sunday, July 26, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed forward Mario Hezonja to a one-year, $2.8 million contract, days after LeBron James chose the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
- Losing the LeBron James recruitment forced Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman to pivot to backup plans, as Cleveland immediately set its sights on bolstering wing depth.
- Returning to the NBA after six seasons in Europe, the 31-year-old Croatian forward earned Liga ACB MVP honors with Real Madrid, averaging 17.5 points per game last season while shooting 46.5% from the field.
- Hezonja fills the 13th roster spot, leaving the team approximately $35.5 million below the second apron, giving Altman financial flexibility to pursue additional upgrades before training camp.
- Standing at 6'9", the veteran offers size and two-way playmaking the Cavaliers need; while he does not replace James's superstar production, Hezonja provides scoring versatility to a roster built around Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Croatian basketball player Mario Hezonja has signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"Cavs got LeBron stopper", "Warriors can’t even sign him" - NBA Fans Abuzz As Cavaliers Sign Mario Hezonja After Missing Out On LeBron James
Mario Hezonja is back in the NBA after the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him to a one-year, $2.8 million deal on Sunday. It was reported earlier that the former No.
Mario Hezonja back in NBA, signs deal with Cavs - Regional Media News
Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA for the first time since 2020 after signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN reported Sunday. The deal for the Croatia native, who was the fifth overall selection in the 2015 draft, is reportedly worth $2.8 million. Hezonja, 31, has spent the last six years in the EuroLeague and the last four at Real Madrid where he blossomed. Hezonja helped Real Madrid clinch the EuroLeague championship in…
Cavaliers, European star Mario Hezonja agree on one-year deal
The Cavaliers lost out on LeBron James. So they are adding the reigning MVP of the Spanish League instead. The Cavs on July 26 agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with 31-year-old forward Mario Hezonja. Shams Charania of ESPN was first with the news. Hezonja, 6-foot-9, played for Real Madrid in the Euro League […]
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