According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer<\/a>, Cleveland has registered interest in the Real Madrid forward as the organization continues evaluating potential roster additions.<\/p>\n Hezonja could become one of the Cavaliers’ fallback options alongside Atlanta Hawks free agent Jonathan Kuminga, depending on how the remaining NBA market develops.<\/p>\n Hezonja waiting for LeBron James decision <\/p>\n Hezonja has made returning to the NBA his priority after spending the past six seasons in Europe, including the last four with Real Madrid.<\/p>\n BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas reported<\/a> that Hezonja’s next team is expected to be in the NBA despite recent speculation in Europe regarding his future.<\/p>\n According to BasketNews sources, there is confidence that the Croatian forward fulfilled all the necessary conditions to activate the NBA exit clause in his long-term Real Madrid contract before Monday’s deadline, clearing the way for his departure.<\/p>\n Hezonja has not yet reached an agreement with a specific NBA team, but his destination is expected to become clearer once LeBron James decides where he will play next.<\/p>\n Several organizations remain in a holding pattern while waiting for LeBron’s decision, creating a domino effect across the free-agent market.<\/p>\n “I think we’re going to see eight or nine players sign right after LeBron makes his choice,” one trusted source told The Stein Line. “Maybe more.”<\/p>\n Credit AP-Scanpix<\/p>\n Hezonja rejected conditional EuroLeague offers <\/p>\n Despite reports linking Hezonja with other EuroLeague clubs, BasketNews sources maintain that his future lies in the NBA.<\/p>\n Hezonja reportedly rejected offers from three EuroLeague teams to sign conditional contracts that would have become active only if his NBA return ended prematurely.<\/p>\n The 31-year-old was confident enough in his ability to establish himself in the league that he viewed such negotiations as unnecessary.<\/p>\n Returning to the NBA has been Hezonja’s goal for several years, which is why he negotiated an NBA exit clause into his Real Madrid contract.<\/p>\n The clause was available every summer through 2029 and allowed him to leave for the NBA until July 20.<\/p>\n Credit Alamy\/Scanpix<\/p>\n Former lottery pick seeking second NBA opportunity <\/p>\n Hezonja was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n He previously appeared in 330 NBA games across stints with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.<\/p>\n During his first NBA run, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.<\/p>\n After leaving the league, he rebuilt his career in Europe and established himself as a prominent EuroLeague forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-474711-any780x600.jpg\")
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