# Mario Hezonja return to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mario-hezonja-return-to-nba-with-cleveland-cavaliers
> Updated: 2026-09-30T15:30:51.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Mario Hezonja has signed a one-year contract to return to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers after five years playing in Europe. Following a successful period with Real Madrid, where he earned EuroLeague MVP and Spanish league regular season MVP honors, Hezonja utilized a contract clause to facilitate his move back to North America.

Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson noted that the 31-year-old Croatian forward has undergone a physical transformation, describing his build as comparable to an American football ‘tight end’ at approximately 115 to 116 kilograms. Atkinson expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the signing, describing Hezonja as a ‘tank’ and suggesting he is entering the right phase of his career.

Hezonja has since begun training camp with the Cavaliers. During preseason preparations in Fuengirola, Spain, he expressed gratitude toward Real Madrid, noting he had previously considered retiring with the club. He clarified that his decision to return to the NBA was not prompted by coaching changes at Madrid; rather, he noted that while the club and he were close to renewing his contract and removing his NBA exit clause, he had chosen to remain with the team during a difficult period.

As he integrates with teammates such as Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, Hezonja aims to be a versatile and impactful player, emphasizing his desire to be a ‘useful piece in winning games at the highest level of professional basketball.’

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Mario Hezonja joins Cleveland Cavaliers training camp

Mario Hezonja has joined the Cleveland Cavaliers' training camp, expressing gratitude to Real Madrid and stating his desire to be an impactful player in his return to the NBA.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mario-hezonja-joins-cleveland-cavaliers-training-camp

### 2026-09-27: Cleveland Cavaliers coach praises Mario Hezonja's NBA return

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Mario Hezonja's physical evolution as the Croatian forward returns to the NBA from Real Madrid to join the Cavaliers' rotation.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mario-hezonja-joins-cleveland-cavaliers-for-nba-return

### 2026-09-24: Mario Hezonja returns to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers

Croatian forward Mario Hezonja has signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning to the NBA after a successful multi-year career in Europe.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mario-hezonja-returns-to-nba-with-cleveland-cavaliers

---
Cite as: Mario Hezonja return to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mario-hezonja-return-to-nba-with-cleveland-cavaliers