How much is Hezonja's contract with Cleveland worth?

Hezonja signed a one-year contract worth $2.8 million.

What does it mean that the contract is not guaranteed?

It means that Cleveland can release Hezonja before November 15, 2026, without being obligated to pay the full contracted amount. His salary becomes fully guaranteed only if he remains with the team after that date.

Which European clubs did Hezonja play for before returning to the NBA?

After leaving the NBA in 2020, Hezonja played for Panathinaikos, UNICS Kazan, and Real Madrid, with whom he won the EuroLeague in 2023.

What were Hezonja's statistics in his first NBA stint?

In 330 games for Orlando, New York, and Portland, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

Basketball

Cleveland offers him a chance, but also sets a deadline: Hezonja must prove his worth by November

K.O. · 02. 08. 2026. | 2 min

The Croatian national team player has signed with the Cavaliers, but the contract contains a special condition that will determine his fate in the NBA.

Summary

Mario Hezonja has signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Cleveland.
The contract is not fully guaranteed, his salary becomes guaranteed only if he remains with the team on November 15, 2026.
Hezonja returns to the NBA after five years in Europe, where he won the EuroLeague with Real Madrid and was named MVP of the Spanish league.
In his first NBA stint from 2015 to 2020, he played 330 games, averaging 6.9 points per game.

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Mario Hezonja is back in the NBA after signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, as reported by NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the $2.8 million deal is not fully guaranteed, meaning the 31-year-old from Dubrovnik is entering a period of uncertainty.

The fateful date for his stay with the Ohio-based team is November 15, 2026. If he remains on the roster by that day, his salary will become fully guaranteed. This arrangement gives the team room to assess how much the Croatian basketball player can contribute during training camp, the preseason, and the start of the regular season, without the fear of paying the full amount if they decide to release him.

Discontent with his first departure and a new beginning

Hezonja has openly spoken about his unhappiness with the circumstances of his first NBA exit. "I never liked how I left the NBA, but the last five years have been exactly what I wanted and needed. I'm thrilled that my new chapter begins with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team and organization I have always admired and respected," Hezonja said, as reported by Tportal Lifestyle.

His first NBA stint began in 2015 when he was selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic. During that initial run in America, he also played for the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Over 330 games in the league, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. His last NBA appearance before returning to Europe was in 2020.

European journey back to the spotlight

After leaving the NBA, Hezonja built his career in Europe, playing for Panathinaikos, UNICS Kazan, and Real Madrid. He spent four seasons with the Spanish club, culminating in winning the EuroLeague in 2023. Last season (2025/26), he further confirmed his class by winning the Spanish league MVP award, which has now opened the door for his NBA return.

Whether Hezonja will manage to secure a spot in the Cavaliers' rotation and remain with the team past the crucial date of November 15 will depend on his performances on the court in the first weeks of the new season.