Former Knicks Ahead Mario Hezonja Returns to the NBA, Indicators One-Yr Deal With the Cleveland Cavaliers

Former New York Knicks ahead Mario Hezonja is making his return to the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mario Hezonja Returns to NBA

The 31-year-old ahead is coming again to the league for the primary time because the 2019-20 season after spending the previous 4 years enjoying abroad. His return marks a shocking change from his earlier feedback, when he stated he didn’t plan to return again to the NBA.

Hezonja’s transfer to Cleveland comes after the Cavaliers missed out on signing LeBron James, who determined to hitch the Philadelphia 76ers as a substitute.

The Cavaliers have been among the many groups excited about bringing James again, however the group turned its consideration to including Hezonja to strengthen its roster. The Croatian ahead was chosen fifth total by the Orlando Magic within the 2015 NBA Draft, one spot after the Knicks chosen Kristaps Porzingis, NY Post reported.

Although Hezonja entered the NBA with excessive expectations, he struggled to discover a constant position throughout his time within the league.

Mario Hezonja Rebuilt Career Overseas

Hezonja performed three seasons with Orlando earlier than becoming a member of the Knicks on a one-year deal in 2018. He later spent the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, which turned his remaining NBA look earlier than leaving for Europe.

In 2022, Hezonja expressed frustration together with his NBA expertise and stated he didn’t anticipate to return. He defined that he felt he didn’t obtain the respect he deserved and believed the league centered an excessive amount of on leisure.

However, his profession abroad helped change the route of his basketball journey. Hezonja turned one of many prime gamers for Real Madrid, considered one of Europe’s strongest basketball golf equipment.

According to TheNews, throughout his time in Spain, Hezonja helped Real Madrid win the EuroLeague championship in 2023. He was additionally named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2024 and earned the Liga ACB MVP award for the 2025-26 season.

Last season, Hezonja confirmed his improved type by averaging 15.0 factors, 4.3 rebounds, and a couple of.1 assists per sport whereas enjoying 23.1 minutes per contest. He additionally continued representing Croatia in worldwide competitions, together with the FIBA World Cup qualifying video games.