Mario Hezonja attracts heavy NBA interest following Real Madrid departure
2026-07-22T06:12:35+00:002026-07-22T06:12:35+00:002026-07-22T06:12:35+00:00.
22/Jul/26 06:12
Eurohoops.netGiannis Askounis
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Several NBA teams are interested in 31-year-old Mario Hezonja, including championship contenders currently pursuing LeBron James
By Johnny Askounis/info@eurohoops.net
Mario Hezonja is indeed preparing to make his return to North America after a highly successful six-year stretch in Europe, as detailed by NBA insider Marc Stein on Tuesday evening
The 31-year-old Croatian combo forward chose to exercise his opt-out clause, notifying Real Madrid of his departure just ahead of a strict July 20 deadline. Despite being signed under a long-term agreement with the Spanish powerhouse through 2029, the versatile swingman will trigger his release by paying a standard transatlantic buyout valued at approximately $850,000
A veteran of 335 NBA games, the Dubrovnik native enters free agency on the heels of the most dominant campaign of his career. He securedthe Liga Endesa Regular Season Most Valuable Player award after averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Furthermore, his elite two-way play anchored Madrid’s run to the EuroLeague championship game
This stellar production has garnered significant attention from multiple front offices looking for an experienced perimeter threat who provides reliable outside shooting, positional size, and floor spacing. According to Stein, the franchises displaying interest heavily overlap with organizations currently pursuing superstar LeBron James
It is a massive career turnaround for the former fifth overall pick, who last appeared in the NBA during the 2019–20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Hezonja has completely revitalized his game and reputation since those early years. He previously suited up for the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks before moving overseas to represent Panathinaikos, UNICS, and ultimately Real
Beyond his refined on-court skills, executives are reportedly drawn to positive feedback regarding his growth and maturity away from the hardwood
With his European chapter seemingly closed, he stands out as an incredibly coveted asset for title contenders aiming to immediately bolster their championship-caliber rotations
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