Returning to the NBA: Mario Hezonja agrees to one-year deal with Cleveland
After activating his exit clause with Real Madrid, Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA. The Croatian forward has signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $2.8 million, turning down offers from EuroLeague clubs.
After activating the exit clause in his contract with Real Madrid to return to the NBA, Mario Hezonja has found a new team in the world's premier league. According to a report by ESPN, the Croatian star has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers for $2.8 million. He rejected offers from three EuroLeague teams for conditional contracts, insisting on a return to the USA.
31-year-old Hezonja finished a strong EuroLeague season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 23 minutes. In the semifinal against Valencia, he scored 25 points, and in the final against Olympiacos, he contributed 19 points, five assists, and four steals. Although he had three years remaining on his contract with Real, he chose to exercise his exit option.
The Croatian, selected fifth overall in the 2015 draft, has already played 330 NBA games for Orlando, New York, and Portland. During his first stint in the league, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes.
