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Mario Hezonja return to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-28 15:14 UTC → 2026-09-30 18:32 UTC · added removed

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. Atkinson emphasized 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 Hezonja’s increased strength and improved ability his decision to defend and punish pick-and-rolls will be significant assets for return to the team’s defensive requirements. Having previously played for NBA was not prompted by coaching changes at Madrid; rather, he noted that while the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, club and Portland Trail Blazers between 2015 he were close to renewing his contract and 2020, 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 is expected aims to be a key candidate for the Cavaliers' rotation, with his combination of talent, speed, versatile and newfound strength positioned impactful player, emphasizing his desire to surprise observers as he reintegrates into be a ‘useful piece in winning games at the league. highest level of professional basketball.’

Versions

  1. 2026-09-30 18:32 UTC Mario Hezonja return to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers
  2. 2026-09-28 15:14 UTC Mario Hezonja return to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers
  3. 2026-09-27 18:11 UTC Mario Hezonja return to NBA with Cleveland Cavaliers

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