The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as a potential NBA destination for Mario Hezonja, whose return is expected to become clearer after LeBron James makes his free-agency decision.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as one of the teams interested in bringing Mario Hezonja back to the NBA.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Cleveland has registered interest in the Real Madrid forward as the organization continues evaluating potential roster additions.
Hezonja could become one of the Cavaliers' fallback options alongside Atlanta Hawks free agent Jonathan Kuminga, depending on how the remaining NBA market develops.
Hezonja waiting for LeBron James decision
Hezonja has made returning to the NBA his priority after spending the past six seasons in Europe, including the last four with Real Madrid.
BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas reported that Hezonja's next team is expected to be in the NBA despite recent speculation in Europe regarding his future.
According to BasketNews sources, there is confidence that the Croatian forward fulfilled all the necessary conditions to activate the NBA exit clause in his long-term Real Madrid contract before Monday's deadline, clearing the way for his departure.
Hezonja has not yet reached an agreement with a specific NBA team, but his destination is expected to become clearer once LeBron James decides where he will play next.
Several organizations remain in a holding pattern while waiting for LeBron's decision, creating a domino effect across the free-agent market.
"I think we're going to see eight or nine players sign right after LeBron makes his choice," one trusted source told The Stein Line. "Maybe more."
Credit AP-Scanpix
Hezonja rejected conditional EuroLeague offers
Despite reports linking Hezonja with other EuroLeague clubs, BasketNews sources maintain that his future lies in the NBA.
Hezonja reportedly rejected offers from three EuroLeague teams to sign conditional contracts that would have become active only if his NBA return ended prematurely.
The 31-year-old was confident enough in his ability to establish himself in the league that he viewed such negotiations as unnecessary.
Returning to the NBA has been Hezonja's goal for several years, which is why he negotiated an NBA exit clause into his Real Madrid contract.
The clause was available every summer through 2029 and allowed him to leave for the NBA until July 20.
Credit Alamy/Scanpix
Former lottery pick seeking second NBA opportunity
Hezonja was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
He previously appeared in 330 NBA games across stints with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.
During his first NBA run, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.
After leaving the league, he rebuilt his career in Europe and established himself as a prominent EuroLeague forward.
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