Mario Hezonja To Make NBA Return?
Croatian forward Mario Hezonja, the fifth overall pick of the 2015 draft, has informed Real Madrid that he’ll be returning to the NBA in 2026/27, according to Chema de Lucas (Twitter link).
Hezonja, a five-year veteran who last played for Portland in 2019/20, has spent the last four years with Real Madrid after one-year stints with Panathinaikos in Greece and UNICS Kazan in Russia. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 minutes in 18.5 minutes per game across 330 NBA appearances.
Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews reported a couple weeks ago that Hezonja was actively seeking an NBA return in part because Real Madrid decided to part ways with head coach Sergio Scariolo, a former NBA assistant.
The 31-year-old is technically under contract with Real Madrid until 2029 but his deal contains an NBA out clause in the range of $850K, sources tell Urbonas, which is the standard for international players crossing the Atlantic.
Hezonja reportedly drew “serious” NBA interest last spring but decided to remain with Los Blancos. He helped Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague championship game in 2025/26 and was named Most Valuable Player of the Liga Endesa regular season.
According to Urbonas, Hezonja has once again drawn interest from “numerous” NBA teams this summer. In addition to being intrigued by his “basketball tools and positional size,” Urbonas hears NBA clubs have given Hezonja positive reviews for his improved maturity off the court.
International Notes: Hezonja, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Kabengele, Francisco, Bolomboy
Mario Hezonja hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2019/20 season but he’s still hoping to sign another NBA contract, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.
Hezonja is currently on a long-term deal with Real Madrid running until 2029, but it includes an NBA exit clause. His buyout for an NBA return would be worth approximately $85oK. Urbonas hears that Hezonja’s departure from Madrid is now considered a real possibility. The 6’8″ forward is now actively initiating contact to make a return to the United States a reality.
In 38 EuroLeague games this past season, Hezonja averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 22.1 minutes per game. He put up 17.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 1.9 APG in 28 Liga ACB outings, posting a .465/.366/.902 shooting line in domestic action.
Here’s more from around the international basketball world:
- Speaking of Real Madrid, the Spanish club has reached a two-year contract with another former NBA forward, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, according to Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.net. The signing hinges on reaching a buyout agreement with Kosner Baskonia. Last season, Luwawu-Cabarrot led Liga Endesa in scoring by averaging 18.1 points per game and earning a spot on the All-ACB First Team. He also averaged 18.2 points in EuroLeague contests, along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. The 2016 first-round pick hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2021/22 season.
- Mfiondu Kabengele has signed a contract extension with Dubai through the 2028 season, Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.net reports. Kabengele led Dubai Basketball to its first ABA League title, earning Finals MVP honors. The 6’10” center, who appeared in 55 NBA games from 2019-23, averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 20.8 minutes per game through 68 games.
- French guard Sylvain Francisco has signed a contract with ASVEL Villeurbanne but he has until July 30 to trigger an NBA out clause, Sportando relays. The former Zalgiris Kaunas standout had made it clear that the NBA remained his main goal. The point guard, who holds dual French and U.S. citizenships, earned All-EuroLeague First Team honors last season while averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 assists per game.
- ASVEL, coached by former NBA star Tony Parker, is also finalizing a deal with 32-year-old Joel Bolomboy, Barkas reports. Bolomboy spent last season with Crvena Zvezda, where he averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. Bolomboy appeared in 18 NBA games from 2016-18.
International Notes: 2027 World Cup, Lithuania, Croatia, Loyd, Joerger
Three NBA players have been named to Lithuania’s 15-man roster for the upcoming FIBA 2027 World Cup qualifiers, writes Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. At a press conference Friday morning, Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas and Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis were announced as part of the team, which will play two games next month.
Domantas Sabonis, who’s normally a regular in international competitions, won’t represent Lithuania in this event. The Kings center is still recovering after undergoing season-ending knee surgery in February.
Currently 2-2 in Group D, Lithuania will host Great Britain on July 2 and travel to Italy on July 5. The team needs a top-three finish in its group to advance into the secondary qualifying round.
There’s more international news to pass along:
- Some familiar names are on Croatia’s World Cup qualifying roster, which was also revealed on Friday, Askounis states in a separate story. Pacers center Ivica Zubac will headline the team, along with Pelicans forward Karlo Matkovic and former NBA players Mario Hezonja and Dario Saric. The Croatians, who have already clinched a spot in the secondary stage, will travel to Cyprus on July 3 and host Israel on July 6.
- Former NBA player Jordan Loyd is nearing an extension that will keep him with Anadolu Efes, Askounis adds in another piece. The 32-year-old guard signed with the Turkish power last summer, and sources tell Askounis that both sides are on the verge of committing to a new agreement.
- Ex-NBA coach Dave Joerger is in talks to become the head coach of Paris Basketball, sources tell Olgun Uluc of ESPN (Twitter link). Joerger spent three seasons with the Grizzlies and three more with the Kings, compiling a 245-247 career record. He was being considered by Melbourne United in the NBL, according to Uluc, but now appears more likely to wind up in Paris.
International Notes: O. Wembanyama, Lee, Hezonja, Francisco, Richman
While his older brother Victor has been busy with the NBA Finals, Oscar Wembanyama has been making a strong impression at Eurocamp, which was held over the weekend, Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.net relays.
Currently playing for SIG Strasbourg in France’s Betclic Elite after transitioning from handball in 2021, the 19-year-old forward is looking to improve his prospects for next year’s draft. He displayed impressive perimeter shot-making, transition fluidity, and efficient play, Askounis writes. DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony tweets that the younger Wemby has made dramatic improvements over the past 12-to-18 months.
Here’s more from around the international basketball world:
- Lithuania’s Zalgiris Kaunas is close to reaching an agreement with former NBA guard Saben Lee on a two-year contract, Kevin Martorano of Sportando relays. Lee began last season with Olympiacos before joining Anadolu Efes, where he appeared in 16 EuroLeague games and averaged 11.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per contest. Lee appeared in 134 NBA games, most recently with Phoenix during the 2023/24 season.
- Mario Hezonja remains firmly committed to Real Madrid and has no plans to play elsewhere unless an NBA opportunity arises, Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.net reports. Hezonja’s current contract runs until 2029 and contains an NBA opt-out clause. Hezonja was named the Most Valuable Player of Spain’s Liga ACB this season. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game over 31 contests.
- Zalgiris point guard Sylvain Francisco, who went undrafted in 2019, is hoping to make the jump to the NBA next season, according to Eurohoops. “The main goal is the NBA. Things can change, but that is the place I want to go,” he said. Francisco averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 assists this season, earning a spot on the All-EuroLeague First Team.
- Ryan Richman, the former Wizards assistant, is the new head coach of Alvark Tokyo in the Japanese B.League Premier, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line tweets. After leaving Washington to lead SeaHorses Mikawa to three-straight playoff appearances, Richman was sought after by numerous teams in Japan and also had a few NBA assistant opportunities before agreeing to a deal with Alvark.
International Notes: Parker, Hezonja, Bertans, Canada, Murray
Spurs legend Tony Parker is the new head coach of France’s Under-17 national team, according to Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. Parker, who played 18 NBA seasons, has already opened training camp for the upcoming FIBA U17 World Cup that will be held in Istanbul later this month.
“I’m so excited. Like the first day of school,” Parker said of his new job. “I was so happy to put on this French national team jersey again.”
This marks the start of a coaching career for the 44-year-old Parker, who will take over ASVEL Villeurbanne next season as the highest-paid coach in the French League. He’s a French basketball legend, but he never participated in the World Cup as a player.
“To put things in context, back then, the World Championship wasn’t the competition everyone wanted to play in,” Parker said. “Since there was EuroBasket every two years and the Olympic Games, it was tough to play every summer.”
There’s more international news to pass along:
- Former NBA forward Mario Hezonja has been named Most Valuable Player of the Spanish League, Askounis states in a separate story. Hezonja, who played five seasons with Orlando, New York and Portland, averaged 17.5 points per game with Real Madrid. There was reported to be “serious interest” in Hezonja from several NBA teams last spring, but he opted to remain in Europe.
- Davis Bertans, who played for five teams in eight NBA seasons, is taking over as sports director for the Latvian men’s national team system, Askounis adds in another piece. That will include everything from the Under-14 age group up to the senior national team. “During my playing career, I have had the great opportunity to work in world-class organizations with excellent coaches, team managers, and staff,” Bertans said. “I am confident that this experience will help me create an environment where players, coaches, and staff can achieve the highest goals. At the same time, by getting involved and developing the next generation of basketball players to ensure the sustainability of Latvian basketball.”
- Canada has unveiled its 23-man player pool for this summer’s World Cup qualifiers, which begin with a July 3 game against Puerto Rico, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN (Twitter link). The list features some big names, including two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but one notable omission is Nuggets guard Jamal Murray. “No, Jamal Muray is not committed to playing in the program going forward,” Canada general manager Rowan Barrett said (Twitter link from Michael Grange of SportsNet). “He’s got tremendous desire to play for the country, but sometimes there are things going on with the athletes that prevent them from doing so.” Shaedon Sharpe and Andrew Wiggins are also not on the list.
Mario Hezonja Drawing ‘Serious’ NBA Interest
Former No. 5 overall pick Mario Hezonja is drawing “serious interest” from NBA teams as he contemplates a move away from Spanish EuroLeague club Real Madrid, reports Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.
Although Hezonja signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid last summer, his deal contains an NBA out clause in the range of $850K, according to Urbonas’ sources, which is the standard for international players crossing the Atlantic.
According to Urbonas, “several” NBA teams are keeping a close eye on Hezonja’s situation after a solid three-year stint with Real Madrid. The 30-year-old, who played for Panathinaikos (Greece) and UNICS (Russia) from 2020-22, also put up huge numbers during EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers, averaging 30.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game, RealGM notes, though Croatia failed to qualify for the first time in the tournament’s history.
A 6’8″ forward, Hezonja never lived up to his lofty draft status as a young player in the NBA — his stints with Orlando, New York and Portland were plagued by inconsistency in multiple areas. But he did have occasional moments of brilliance, particularly on straight line drives when he could showcase his run-and-jump athleticism, and the outlines of a 3-and-D role player were certainly evident.
More importantly, Hezonja has been one of the better players in Europe over the past five years, and there’s a “real possibility” he could return to the NBA as he weighs his options this offseason, sources tell Urbonas.
While he never played for the Grizzlies, Hezonja was technically paid by Memphis during the 2020/21 season, having been waived before that campaign began.
FA Rumors: DeRozan, Kings, Hield, Warriors, Martin, Heat, Hezonja
Assuming DeMar DeRozan doesn’t sign with a cap-room team, it will almost certainly require a sign-and-trade to land him, per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report (video link). As Haynes explains, DeRozan has no interest in settling for a mid-level offer.
“For the teams that might be calling or gauging interest in DeMar taking a full mid-level exception, which is around $13MM, I’m told that is not even being considered right now,” Haynes said on Tuesday.
The Bulls won’t bring back DeRozan, but they’re open to working with him on a sign-and-trade to help him get where he wants, Haynes confirms. Still, negotiating that sort of deal will be a challenge, given that some of the forward’s suitors (like Miami) aren’t in a great financial position to make a sign-and-trade. I’d also expect Chicago will be reluctant to take back much salary, since the team projects to be about $13MM below the luxury tax line, though that number is fluid and would move up or down if other moves are made.
Appearing on ESPN’s NBA Today on Tuesday (Twitter video link), Marc J. Spears of Andscape identified the Kings as one “dark horse” suitor to watch for DeRozan. Sacramento has reportedly made Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and draft capital available in trade talks (in general, not for DeRozan specifically) as the team looks to upgrade its roster around Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. Previous reporting has indicated that the Bulls like Huerter.
Here are a few more free agency updates from around the NBA:
- Buddy Hield doesn’t have an agreement in place with the Warriors yet, but the two sides are “tracking toward” a deal, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports (Twitter links), who says that a sign-and-trade would likely see the Sixers receive second-round draft capital in return. If Golden State doesn’t send out additional salary, the club would have to absorb both Hield and Kyle Anderson into a trade exception created by sending Klay Thompson to Dallas, or complete all three of those moves as one multi-team mega-deal in order to maximize Thompson’s outgoing salary as a matching piece (John Hollinger of The Athletic briefly explored this more complex possibility on Tuesday night).
- While Caleb Martin‘s return to the Heat is still considered unlikely, it shouldn’t be entirely ruled out, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang, who suggest in a pair of stories for The Miami Herald that the team’s interest in re-signing Martin hasn’t waned as long as the price is right. Jackson and Chiang also say that Miami remains in the mix to sign Haywood Highsmith, though his return is “far from guaranteed.”
- The Heat had initial discussions with DeMar DeRozan on Tuesday and expect to follow up on Wednesday, but there have been no indications that the club will “move mountains” (ie. shed significant salary) in order to land him, Jackson tweets.
- Although Real Madrid has officially announced its new five-year contract with Mario Hezonja, the veteran forward has an NBA-opt out until July 20 with a modest buyout figure and has received interest from “numerous” NBA teams, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com. The 29-year-old, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft, appeared in 330 NBA regular season games but has been out of the league since 2020.
Free Agent Rumors: DeRozan, Harris, Eubanks, Ntilikina, Hezonja, Holiday
Although the Bulls and DeMar DeRozan have both publicly expressed interest in continuing their relationship, there’s not as much momentum toward a new deal for DeRozan as there was at this time last year for Nikola Vucevic, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Vucevic ultimately ended up agreeing to an extension with the Bulls on June 28, two days before free agency began.
Johnson cautions that the situation could change quickly, noting that a new agreement between DeRozan and the Bulls remains very possible. However, Johnson wonders if the Josh Giddey/Alex Caruso trade will change the equation at all for the veteran forward. As comfortable as DeRozan is in Chicago, he also wants to win, and he was a big fan of Caruso, who seems better suited than Giddey to help a team contend in the immediate future.
Here are a few more notes and rumors on this offseason’s free agents:
- The Mavericks and Jazz are among the teams with free agent forward Tobias Harris on their radar, reports Ian Begley of SNY.tv. While Utah has plenty of cap flexibility, Dallas projects to be in luxury tax territory, so their path to adding Harris would be trickier unless they can shed some salary, get him to accept a below-market deal, or pull off a sign-and-trade (while remaining below the first tax apron).
- The Suns and Drew Eubanks haven’t closed the door on working out a new deal, even with the center turning down his 2024/25 player option, reports Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Rankin cites mutual interest between the two sides, adding that Eubanks has been working out in Phoenix and has been in touch with new head coach Mike Budenholzer. However, he says the big man will test the free agent market.
- Former NBA lottery pick Frank Ntilikina has signed a contract with KK Partizan, the Serbian club announced in a press release. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic (Twitter link), the guard signed a two-year contract that includes an NBA out after the first season.
- The new contract that Mario Hezonja – another former NBA lottery pick – agreed to with Real Madrid also includes an NBA out, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. Hezonja has until July 19 to exercise that out clause for 2024/25, according to Charania, who hears from sources that the 29-year-old wing has drawn some interest from NBA teams.
- Nuggets wing Justin Holiday, who is on track for unrestricted free agency, has hired new representation. Octagon Basketball announced (via Twitter) that it has added Holiday to its roster of clients.
- John Hollinger of The Athletic shared his list of this summer’s top 25 free agents, while Keith Smith of Spotrac made his predictions for the player and team option decisions that must be made by June 29. Hollinger’s list, which uses his BORD$ formula, includes players like Saddiq Bey and Spencer Dinwiddie in the top 20, though Hollinger acknowledges that they’re unlikely to get the kind of salaries that BORD$ projects.
International Notes: Giannis, Team Canada, Hezonja, Clarkson, Vildoza, Ataman, Team China
Giannis Antetokounmpo is looking forward to participating in Greece’s training camp, though he’s still dealing with the injury that short-circuited the Bucks’ playoff run. Milwaukee’s superstar will look to help Greece advance out of the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus early next month.
“I have not practiced yet, but I feel better. I cannot wait to join the training camp,” he told Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.net and other reporters.
Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain late in the NBA regular season. The announcement that he would play for Greece was made at the beginning of this month.
We have more international basketball news:
- Canada’s preliminary Olympic roster is loaded with NBA players and there will be tough decisions ahead to pare it to 12 players, Josh Lewenberg of TSN notes. Kings forward Trey Lyles, former NBA bigs Khem Birch and Mfiondu Kabengele and two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey are some of the players who, on paper, will be fighting for the last two spots on the roster, writes Lewenberg.
- Former NBA forward Mario Hezonja announced on social media that he’s re-signing with Real Madrid, Sportando relays. “Real Madrid believed in me when many didn’t, cared for me and my family since the first day I arrived and made us feel at home. My only intention was to stay so I am happy to communicate to you that I will continue my journey at MY HOME, MY REAL MADRID for a long time!” he wrote. There had been speculation he might look at NBA opportunities.
- Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson was not on the Philippines’ 12-man roster for the FIBA Olympic qualifier. Coach Tim Cone opted for continuity, according to executive director Erika Dy. Cone decided to go with the same group that participated in an Asia Cup qualifier over the winter. “Premise of coach Tim, we have the same roster every time. The shorter training periods will accumulate, and the players will build chemistry,” Dy said, per BasketNews.
- Virtus Bologna is reportedly interested in former NBA guard Luca Vildoza, who is leaving Greece’s Panathinaikos, according to another Sportando report. Vildoza had a seven-game stint with the Bucks in 2021/22.
- After leading Panathinaikos to a Euroleague title, Ergin Ataman is eager to get a shot at coaching in the NBA. But he told the Spanish outlet AS that he only wants to make the jump if he’s offered a head coaching job. “Before it was my dream, now it’s not, but if you want a star coach from Europe, here I am. Why would I be afraid of training NBA stars?” he said, per Eurohoops.net.
- The Chinese national team will participate in the California Classic in Sacramento next month, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reports. They’ll be grouped against Summer League teams from the Kings, Hornets, and Spurs. Squads from the Warriors, Lakers and Heat will play against each other in San Francisco.
Stein’s Latest: Redick, Allen, Bronny, M. Williams, Hezonja
J.J. Redick appears to once again be the front-runner for the Lakers‘ head coaching job after Dan Hurley decided to remain at UConn, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack column (subscription required). The ESPN broadcaster was widely considered to be the favorite before news of the team’s interest in Hurley became public last week.
Stein said one source told him on Friday, “You know who is getting the job,” while another pointed out that the Cavaliers‘ interest in James Borrego could leave Redick as L.A.’s only high-profile candidate. The Lakers are six weeks into their coaching search after firing Darvin Ham on May 3.
Stein also dismisses accusations that the Lakers and Hurley were somehow working together to help him get a better offer from UConn. Stein points out that the Lakers suffered embarrassment by losing out to a college team, and they created a more difficult situation for whomever they eventually hire because he’ll seem like a second choice at best.
Stein shares more inside information from around the league:
- Sources tell Stein that the Cavaliers are unlikely to trade Jarrett Allen if Donovan Mitchell agrees to an extension because Mitchell likes having him on the team. That means Allen and Evan Mobley, who’s also eligible for an extension this offseason, will probably remain together, even if it’s sometimes an awkward fit. Numerous insiders confirm to Stein that Borrego is viewed as the most likely candidate to replace J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach.
- The Mavericks have interest in drafting Bronny James, Stein hears, but he’ll likely be off the board by the time they pick at No. 58. After James had pre-draft workouts with the Lakers and Suns, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said sessions with other teams are unlikely, according to Stein.
- Monty Williams remaining head coach of the Pistons is “the likely outcome,” a source tells Stein. The source said Friday’s report that Fred Vinson will leave New Orleans to become an assistant coach in Detroit is a “clear signal” that Williams will keep his job. Vinson previously worked under Williams from 2011-15.
- Stein suggests Mario Hezonja could be back in the NBA next season after spending the last four years overseas. Hezonja was selected fifth by Orlando in the 2015 draft and spent five years in the league with the Magic, Knicks and Trail Blazers. He’ll be a free agent after playing for Real Madrid the past two seasons.