Mario Hezonja Poised to Return to NBA Amid Interest from Multiple Teams

Mario Hezonja's future continues to stir interest in both the EuroLeague and the NBA. The former Real Madrid player, who is a candidate for Hapoel Tel Aviv, is expected to return to the NBA, potentially ending his EuroLeague stint. According to journalist Marc Stein, several NBA teams are interested in Hezonja, including some that also have ties to LeBron James. Cleveland is reportedly among the teams looking to strengthen their roster with Hezonja, although the teams Hezonja previously played for in the NBA, Orlando, New York, and Portland, are not currently in the running.

Hezonja last played in the NBA during the 2019/20 season. He could theoretically sign with an NBA team and then choose to return to any EuroLeague team, but this scenario is considered unlikely. His minimum NBA contract, based on his five years of experience, is approximately $3 million gross, which is less than what he earned in the EuroLeague. While a higher NBA contract is possible, it is not expected. However, his buyout from the EuroLeague is about $850,000, which an NBA team can cover fully under league rules.

This past season in the Spanish league, Hezonja averaged 17.5 points per game with a 47.7% shooting rate and was named the league's MVP. In his last NBA season with Portland, he averaged 4.8 points per game, with his best NBA season being 2017/18 when he averaged 9.6 points. The developments suggest Hezonja is on track to rejoin the NBA soon, potentially impacting both leagues' dynamics.