Real Madrid Star Mario Hezonja Announces NBA Return Using Exit Clause
Mario Hezonja, the Croatian basketball star currently with Real Madrid, has informed his club that he will leave to join the NBA, according to reports from Spain. Hezonja, who has been a prominent figure in the EuroLeague this summer, is exercising an exit clause in his contract valued at 850,000 euros, allowing him to depart despite being signed with Real Madrid until 2029. The specific NBA team that will sign him has not yet been disclosed.
Hezonja is set to return to the United States after approximately six years playing in the EuroLeague. Previously, he played in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. His departure is a significant loss for Real Madrid, which has already seen other key players leave this summer. Other clubs such as Hapoel Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Panathinaikos had also expressed interest in acquiring him.
In the past season, Hezonja averaged 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in the EuroLeague, while in the Spanish league he posted 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game during the regular season. His move marks another notable transition from European basketball back to the NBA.
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