Real Madrid Blocks Mario Hezonja From Joining Other EuroLeague Teams After NBA Move

Mario Hezonja remains a central figure in Spanish basketball headlines due to his ongoing contract dispute with Real Madrid. The Croatian forward recently announced his intention to activate a $1 million buyout clause to leave Real Madrid and join the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. However, Real Madrid claims they have not yet received the payment, meaning Hezonja is technically still under contract with the Spanish club despite agreeing terms with Cleveland.

The official announcement of Hezonja joining the Cavaliers has been delayed as the situation with Real Madrid remains unresolved. Reports have suggested a possible scenario where Hezonja could be signed and then released by Cleveland before the NBA season starts, allowing him to return to Europe and sign with any EuroLeague team. Potential destinations mentioned include Hapoel Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Panathinaikos.

According to Marca, Real Madrid intends to prevent this outcome by securing first refusal rights on Hezonja if he returns to Europe. In recent talks, Hezonja's agent offered to pay a higher buyout than the contract clause, but Real Madrid countered with a demand to end the saga by obtaining priority negotiation rights. This strategy mirrors a previous arrangement when Hezonja left the EuroLeague for the NBA and later returned; at that time, Barcelona retained first rights and received a €400,000 payment when he signed with Unics Kazan.

Hezonja, drafted 5th overall in 2015, has NBA experience with Portland, New York, and Orlando. Last season, he averaged 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting 52.1% on two-pointers and 80.5% from the free-throw line. Real Madrid's move aims to control his European future and prevent him from joining rival EuroLeague clubs without their involvement.