Hapoel Tel Aviv Remains Hopeful Mario Hezonja Will Join Despite NBA Uncertainty

Mario Hezonja surprised Real Madrid by activating his NBA exit clause worth $850,000 just hours before the deadline, signaling his intent to leave the Spanish club. However, he has yet to secure a guaranteed contract with any NBA team. Hapoel Tel Aviv, along with Dubai and Panathinaikos, have shown interest in the Croatian forward, and the Israeli club remains optimistic he might join them during the upcoming season.

Hapoel Tel Aviv believes Hezonja paid the buyout clause from his own funds and has not finalized a guaranteed NBA deal. This situation suggests he may sign a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract, allowing him to compete for a roster spot in the NBA while keeping the option to return to EuroLeague if things do not work out. Such a contract would enable Hezonja to be released from Real Madrid before the season starts and potentially join a new EuroLeague team, which benefits both player and club.

The Israeli club continues to maintain contact with Hezonja and monitor his market status. Earlier this month, Hezonja praised Hapoel Tel Aviv’s ambitious team-building efforts and expressed his fondness for Israel and Tel Aviv. Hezonja has been a prominent European player, averaging 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in EuroLeague last season, and 17.5 points with 4.9 rebounds per game in the Spanish league.

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s optimism reflects their hope that Hezonja’s NBA plans may not materialize fully, leaving the door open for him to join their roster and strengthen their squad in the near future.