Mario Hezonja signs one-year contract with Cleveland Cavaliers

On July 31, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers officially announced the signing of Croatian forward Mario Hezonja to a one-year contract. The 31-year-old player returns to the NBA after a five-year hiatus, during which he competed in the EuroLeague, most recently for Real Madrid. This move marks his comeback to the league following previous stints with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.

While Real Madrid initially hesitated to remove Hezonja from their active roster following his request to depart, the clubs have now confirmed the deal through official statements. Expressing his enthusiasm on social media, Hezonja noted that he felt dissatisfied with his original departure from the NBA in 2020. He described his five-year European tenure as a necessary period of growth and stated his deep admiration for the Cavaliers organization.

The official registration of the contract with the league office confirms the player's return to the United States. Hezonja is expected to integrate into the Cavaliers' rotation for the upcoming season, bringing substantial international and professional experience to the roster.