Cavs Ink Former Knick Mario Hezonja to One-year Deal
WHO:
The New York Times - Mario Hezonja is a 31-year-old Croatian forward.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja started his NBA career with the Orlando Magic.
NY Post - The Cleveland Cavaliers signed Mario Hezonja.
RealGM Basketball - Mario Hezonja is a 31-year-old wing player.
WHAT:
NY Post - Hezonja once blocked a game-winning shot from LeBron James several years ago.
The New York Times - Hezonja signed his first professional contract, a three-year deal with Spanish club FC Barcelona, in 2012 at the age of 17.
The New York Times - Hezonja was selected by the Orlando Magic as the No. 5 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
The New York Times - Hezonja averaged a career-high 9.6 points and shot 44.2 percent from the field during the 2017-18 NBA season.
The New York Times - Hezonja averaged 8.8 points and a career-high 4.1 rebounds during his time with the New York Knicks.
The New York Times - Hezonja appeared in 53 games and started four during his final NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019-20.
The New York Times - Hezonja averaged a career-best 17.5 points for Real Madrid in the top level of Spanish professional basketball.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja helped Real Madrid to the EuroLeague championship game, where they fell to Olympiacos.
RealGM Basketball - The Cavaliers agreed to a one-year deal with Hezonja for $2.8 million.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season for Real Madrid.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja helped Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague championship game.
WHERE:
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja last played in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja played for teams in Greece, Russia, and Spain over the last six seasons.
WHEN:
Sportskeeda - The Cavaliers signed Hezonja on Sunday.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season.
WHY:
The New York Times - The deal comes just days after LeBron James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers rather than return to Cleveland, which drafted him No. 1 in 2003.
NY Post - The Cavaliers signed Hezonja after LeBron James chose to join the 76ers instead.
HOW:
Fox News - Hezonja is described as a "retooled wing" for the Cavaliers.
RealGM Basketball - Hezonja's signing is part of the Cavaliers' strategy to bolster their roster after missing out on James.
(UPDATED July 27, 2026 02:52 UTC)
Mario Hezonja, known for once blocking a game-winning shot from LeBron James several years ago, has been signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hezonja is being described as a "retooled wing," indicating a fresh approach to his role on the team. Fans are eager to see how his skills will contribute to the Cavaliers' performance in the upcoming season.
--
(UPDATED July 27, 2026 01:27 UTC)
Mario Hezonja, a 31-year-old Croatian forward, has signed a deal with Real Madrid, where he averaged a career-best 17.5 points in the top level of Spanish professional basketball. He previously made waves in the NBA, being selected by the Orlando Magic as the No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft and averaging a career-high 9.6 points during the 2017-18 season. This signing comes just days after LeBron James opted to join the Philadelphia 76ers instead of returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that drafted him first overall in 2003.
--
(UPDATED July 26, 2026 23:14 UTC)
Mario Hezonja, who began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, has just signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He previously played a key role in helping Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague championship game, although they ultimately lost to Olympiacos. This signing took place on a Sunday, marking a new chapter in Hezonja's professional basketball journey.
--
(UPDATED July 26, 2026 21:14 UTC)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed wing player Mario Hezonja to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, following LeBron James' decision to join the 76ers. Last season, Hezonja averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while helping Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague championship game, and he last played in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019-20 season. This move is part of the Cavaliers' strategy to strengthen their roster after missing out on James.