Cavaliers Sign Mario Hezonja to One-Year $2.8M Deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed veteran forward Mario Hezonja to a one-year, $2.8 million contract, marking the former lottery pick's return to the NBA after a six-year absence. The agreement, first reported on July 26, 2026, provides the Eastern Conference finalists with a low-risk addition for their wing rotation following a significant offseason departure.

Hezonja, the fifth overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, last played in the league during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. After struggling to meet expectations with Orlando, New York, and Portland, he revitalized his career in Europe, most notably during a four-year stint with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. There, he developed into one of Europe's top players, winning a EuroLeague title in 2023 and earning Spanish Liga ACB MVP honors for the 2025-26 season after averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

The Cavaliers moved quickly to secure Hezonja once free agency opened, reportedly beating out competition from other teams, including the Golden State Warriors. The signing comes in the wake of superstar LeBron James choosing to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, a move that...