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

Hezonja Signs with Cleveland, but Contract Not Fully Guaranteed Until November 15

K.O. · Prije 8h | 2 min

The Croatian basketball player returns to the NBA after five years, but the Cavaliers have included a clause in the contract that allows them to part ways without full compensation.

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.

Mario Hezonja has officially returned to the NBA by signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, according to information released by NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the $2.8 million deal is not fully guaranteed, leaving the 31-year-old from Dubrovnik with uncertain first weeks in his new environment.

The key date for Hezonja's future with the Ohio-based team is November 15, 2026. If he remains a Cavalier until then, his salary becomes fully guaranteed. This contract structure allows the team to assess how much the Croatian player can help during training camp, preseason, and the start of the regular season, without risking the full payout if they decide to release him.

Return After Discontent with First Stint

Hezonja has not hidden his dissatisfaction with how his first NBA stint ended. "I never liked how I left the NBA, but the last five years were exactly what I wanted and needed. I am 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.

Recall that Hezonja first entered the NBA in 2015 when he was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Orlando Magic. During his first stint in America, he also played for the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers. In 330 games, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He played his last NBA game before returning to Europe in 2020.

European Success as a Springboard

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 powerhouse, culminating in winning the EuroLeague in 2023. Last season (2025/26), he further confirmed his quality by winning the MVP award in the Spanish league, which has now opened the door for a new NBA engagement.

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