A former top-5 NBA Draft pick is getting another chance in the league.
Mario Hezonja is signing a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Hezonja is expected to have a “key wing role” for Cleveland next season.
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… https://t.co/XRfrmR5h7d
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 26, 2026
Hezonja was regarded as one of the draft’s most exciting prospects when he turned pro in 2015, but he failed to establish himself with the Orlando Magic. He re-established himself as a star in Europe and averaged 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for Real Madrid last season on the way to MVP honors.
Hezonja represents the first major addition the Cavaliers have made this offseason. They seemingly beat out interest from several other teams for his services, even though the 31-year-old has not played an NBA game since 2020.
Interestingly, Hezonja has some history with LeBron James. They will now get the chance to face each other, though it will be Hezonja, not James, playing for the Cavaliers.
