Real Madrid forward Mario Hezonja is making a strong push for an NBA comeback this offseason, per BasketNews sources. His current contract with Madrid contains an NBA opt-out clause valid until July 20.
Real Madrid star forward Mario Hezonja is seriously considering an NBA return. According to BasketNews sources, the Croatian international is aggressively exploring his NBA options ahead of a looming July 20 opt-out deadline.
MIN
22.6
PTS
13.3
FG%
49.6%
REB
4
AS
2.4
While Hezonja is currently on a long-term contract with Real Madrid running until 2029, his deal includes an NBA exit clause. Should he make the leap, his NBA buyout would be set around the standard $850,000 mark.
Per BasketNews sources, Hezonja’s departure from Madrid is now considered far more likely than before.
This sudden shift is directly tied to major leadership changes within the Real Madrid organization, which saw the departure of head coach Sergio Scariolo, a figure Hezonja widely admired and respected.
Although the Croatian forward has pursued an NBA return before, sources indicate that this offseason, he is being significantly more aggressive in seeking this opportunity than ever.
While in years past his camp was constantly checking what options were on the table, Hezonja is now actively initiating contact to make a return to the United States a reality. Unsurprisingly, he is already drawing interest from numerous NBA front offices.
NBA teams are intrigued not just by his basketball tools and positional size. The improved overall feedback on his off-the-court maturity has made him a highly attractive target for NBA franchises seeking a reliable, seasoned contributor.
Hezonja just wrapped up a stellar EuroLeague campaign, serving as a focal point in Real Madrid’s title game run.
In the EuroLeague, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 23 minutes per night.
He proved his worth when the stakes were highest at the Final Four. The Croatian forward dominated the semifinal matchup against Valencia, erupting for 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He added 7 rebounds and 3 assists flawlessly, committing zero turnovers in 31 minutes to post a massive 33 PIR.
Position
SF
Age
31
Height
206 cm
Weight
110 kg
Birth place
Dubrovnik, Croatia
He followed that up with another two-way performance in the title thriller against eventual champions Olympiacos, stuffing the stat sheet across the board with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and a 24 PIR.
Selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Hezonja previously appeared in 330 NBA games across stints with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.
During his first NBA tenure, he posted averages of 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per contest.
Whether or not Hezonja decides to make the leap, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is locked in to join Real Madrid regardless, though his impending arrival would seamlessly cover the massive role left vacant on the wing should the Croatian forward ultimately opt out for an NBA opportunity.
Real Madrid Position Player Status PG Facundo Campazzo Signed until 2027 PG Andres Feliz Signed until 2027 PG Theo Maledon Signed until 2027 SG/PG Sergio Llull Expiring SG David Kramer Signed until 2027 (Rumored Out) SG/SF Gabriele Procida Signed until 2028 SF/SG Alberto Abalde Signed until 2027 SF/PF Mario Hezonja Signed until 2029 PF/SF Chuma Okeke Signed until 2027 PF/SF Gabriel Deck Signed until 2028 PF/C Izan Almansa Signed until 2029 (Rumored Out) C/PF Usman Garuba Signed until 2027 C Edy Tavares Signed until 2029 C Alex Len Signed until 2026 +1 (Rumored Out) Coach Pedro Martinez (Signed until 2029) Expiring Sergio Llull, Alex Len Left Sergio Scariolo (story), Trey Lyles, Omer Yurtseven, Mady Sissoko Potential Departures Mario Hezonja, Izan Almansa, Alex Len, David Kramer Incoming deals Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (story), Jaime Pradilla Targets
Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.
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