Real Madrid officially confirmed on Friday the end of its collaboration with Croatian basketball player Mario Hezonja. The contract termination was agreed upon mutually between the club and the player, bringing to an end Hezonja’s four-year stint with the Spanish top-flight side. The Croatian international arrived at the Madrid club during the 2022/2023 season, with a contract for a further three years still remaining.
During his time at Real, Hezonja became a key part of the squad with which he won six trophies. He holds the EuroLeague title, two Spanish league titles, the King’s Cup and two Super Cups. His individual performances were outstanding, as confirmed by the fact that he was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the Spanish league last season.
Although the contract with Real was long-term, it contained a specific clause that allowed Hezonja to return to the NBA upon payment of 850,000 euros. This financial provision enabled him to play in the American basketball league again after a six-year hiatus. Hezonja confirmed his return by signing a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This is not Hezonja’s first arrival in the NBA. Between 2015 and 2020, he played 330 matches in the world’s strongest basketball league. He then played for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. At the 2015 NBA draft, he was selected as the fifth pick, and during his first stint in the league he averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes on the court.
After leaving the NBA in 2020, Hezonja continued his career in Europe. Before joining Real Madrid, he played for Greek side Panathinaikos and Russian club UNICS Kazan. His return to Cleveland marks a new chapter in his professional career following a successful, albeit short, season in Madrid.
