Cavs, former lottery pick Mario Hezonja agree on 1-year deal - ESPN

EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, agent Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management told ESPN.

Hezonja — the No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft — receives an opportunity to revitalize his NBA career entering his 6th season in the league after last playing in 2019-20, and is set to play a key wing role for the Eastern Conference finalists.

Hezonja received strong interest to return to the NBA from Cleveland and the Golden State Warriors after playing the last four seasons for Real Madrid, according to sources.

Hezonja won the EuroLeague championship in 2024 with Real Madrid and was named ACB League MVP in 2025-26.

A native of Croatia, Hezonja played his first three years in the NBA for the Orlando Magic and then spent a year each with the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.

During his five NBA seasons, the 6-foot-8 Hezonja averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in a mostly reserve role.