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Hapoel Tel Aviv Remains Hopeful to Sign Mario Hezonja Despite NBA Uncertainty

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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First reported by Mako · Jul 20, 2026

What happened

Mario Hezonja activated his NBA exit clause from Real Madrid but has no guaranteed NBA contract yet. Hapoel Tel Aviv remains optimistic he will join them during the season after a temporary deal, keeping open the option for him to return to Europe if the NBA opportunity does not materialize.

01Mario Hezonja used his $850,000 NBA exit clause to leave Real Madrid but lacks a guaranteed NBA contract.
02Hapoel Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Panathinaikos are interested in signing Hezonja.
03Hapoel Tel Aviv is optimistic Hezonja will join them after a temporary NBA contract.
04Hezonja can sign an Exhibit 10 NBA deal allowing him to compete for a roster spot without guarantee.
05If the NBA deal fails, Hezonja can return to Europe and join a EuroLeague team, possibly Hapoel Tel Aviv.
06Hezonja praised Hapoel Tel Aviv's team and expressed fondness for Israel and Tel Aviv.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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Mario Hezonja