Mario Hezonja gives up a fortune in Real Madrid to sign with the Cavs

The return of Mario Hezonja to the NBA is now a reality. The Croatian forward has reached an agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign a one-year, $2.8 million contract, ending his successful period in European basketball and completing a four-year cycle with Real Madrid. This move marks one of the most eye-catching transactions in the market, as Hezonja will give up a higher salary that was guaranteed with the white team to fulfill his desire to compete again in the best league in the world.

The veteran forward, 31 years old, had been expressing to Real Madrid for weeks his intention to return to the NBA after establishing himself as one of Europe's standout players. Ultimately, the Cavaliers were the team that managed to persuade the Croatian international, beating out the Golden State Warriors who had also shown a strong interest in adding him.

Mario Hezonja Chooses Cleveland Despite Losing Money

One of the most surprising aspects of this deal is the significant financial sacrifice Hezonja is making. He will earn less in Cleveland than what he had with Real Madrid for the upcoming season, proving that his priority was to return to the NBA over financial considerations.

The Cavaliers offer him the chance to revive a career that was put on hold six years ago when he left the United States after failing to establish himself as a key player in the league.

His last NBA experience came during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Before that, he had also worn the jerseys of the Orlando Magic, the team that drafted him in 2015, and the New York Knicks.

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Six Years of Growth in Europe Before Returning

Since leaving the NBA, Hezonja completely rebuilt his career. After a season in Greece and another in Russia, he found in Real Madrid the ideal stage to become one of the top small forwards in European basketball.

During the 2025-26 season, he once again posted outstanding numbers, averaging 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, emerging as one of the leaders of the Madrid team in a season where they reached the EuroLeague final, eventually losing to Olympiacos.

His performance rekindled the interest of several NBA franchises, but it was the Cavaliers who sealed the deal to bring him aboard.

Cavaliers Win the Battle Against the Warriors

Hezonja's signing represents an addition of experience and versatility for Cleveland. The franchise aimed to deepen their perimeter rotation, believing that the Croatian arrives in the prime of his career after years of dominance in Europe.

The Warriors closely monitored his situation and seriously considered signing him, especially after failing to secure LeBron James, who ended up joining the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Cleveland's offer ultimately convinced the player.

With this move, the Cavaliers bring in an internationally experienced small forward with the ability to stretch the floor and bring a wealth of experience to big stages, while Hezonja gets a second chance to prove himself in the NBA after a brilliant stint in European basketball.

Comparison: Mario Hezonja's Contract

The signing of Mario Hezonja is one of the most highly anticipated returns of the summer. After establishing himself as a star in Europe and forgoing a higher contract with Real Madrid, the Croatian forward will have a new opportunity to showcase his skills in the NBA, this time with a Cavaliers team that believes he can become a key part of their rotation from day one.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mario Hezonja renuncia a un dineral en el Real Madrid para fichar por los Cavs