A major detail of Mario Hezonja's contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers has emerged as one of the EuroLeague's top forwards attempts to re-establish himself in the NBA.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Hezonja signed a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the Cavaliers.
Per the report, his $2.8 million salary will become fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster beyond November 15.
Cleveland expects Hezonja to have regular rotation role
The Cavaliers are not expected to view Hezonja merely as an end-of-the-bench addition.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Cleveland believes the 31-year-old can become an every-night member of the rotation and provide much-needed depth at both forward positions.
"Cleveland's expectation is Hezonja will be in the team's every-night rotation," Fedor wrote.
The Cavaliers needed another versatile frontcourt option after Dean Wade left the organization to sign a four-year, $39 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Wade made a career-high 38 starts during the 2025-26 regular season and appeared in all 18 of Cleveland's playoff games, frequently contributing at both forward positions.
Hezonja could help fill that vacancy while offering more individual scoring and offensive creation.
Hezonja returns after MVP season with Real Madrid
Hezonja is returning to the NBA after producing one of the strongest seasons of his European career.
He was named the 2025-26 Liga Endesa MVP after averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and one steal during the regular season.
The Croatian international also recorded a memorable 40-point performance against UCAM Murcia, adding 11 rebounds and six assists while making eight three-pointers.
Hezonja reached 300 appearances for Real Madrid during his fourth season with the club. He helped Madrid win seven trophies, including the 2023 EuroLeague championship and three Spanish league titles.
Hezonja preparing for second NBA stint
The Orlando Magic selected Hezonja with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
He spent three seasons in Orlando before playing for the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. Across 330 NBA games, including 69 starts, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
After leaving the NBA, he represented Panathinaikos, UNICS Kazan, and Real Madrid, rebuilding his reputation as one of Europe's leading forwards.