After a six-year absence from the National Basketball Association, Croatian forward Mario Hezonja is officially making his return to North American professional basketball. He has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which is based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States.

Mario Hezonja

Hezonja, who was originally selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2015 NBA Draft, previously spent five seasons in the league playing for the team as well as the New York Knicks, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Though he flashed high potential during his early career, he struggled to find consistent footing and departed for Europe in 2020.

Rather than fading away, Hezonja completely rebuilt and elevated his basketball reputation across the Atlantic. Over the past several seasons with European powerhouse Real Madrid, he developed into one of the most complete and feared players outside of the NBA. His resume features a EuroLeague championship in 2023 alongside two domestic ACB titles. Most recently, he capped off a stellar campaign by earning the prestigious Spanish Liga Endesa Most Valuable Player award, posting averages of 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

The Cavaliers targeted the 6-foot-9 wing to bolster their frontcourt depth and add reliable scoring punch to their second unit following roster changes and offseason departures. Cleveland views the seasoned forward as a much more mature, balanced player than the prospect who left the league. Equipped with improved perimeter shooting, strong defensive versatility, and high-level experience on basketball’s biggest international stages, Hezonja provides the Eastern Conference contenders with a valuable, low-cost asset.

For Hezonja, the move marks an exciting redemption arc. Armed with refined skills and a championship pedigree earned in Europe, he aims to prove that his second chapter in the NBA will look vastly different from his first. As the Cavaliers shape their rotation for the upcoming campaign, Hezonja’s arrival brings intrigue and high upside to Cleveland’s pursuit of a deep playoff run.

From Dubrovnik to Cleveland

Born in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Hezonja turned 31 on February 25, 2026. He represents the country’s national team in international basketball competition.

Beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of Croatian immigrants traveled to Cleveland, attracted by booming industrial jobs in steel mills, manufacturing plants, and construction. These newcomers settled predominantly along Cleveland’s near-east side, establishing tight-knit neighborhoods, mutual-aid societies, and traditional churches.

This legacy is permanently honored today within the Cleveland Cultural Gardens located in Rockefeller Park in Cleveland. Designed to celebrate the diverse ethnic groups that shaped the city, the Croatian Cultural Garden features distinct cultural tributes. Through community organizations, historic neighborhoods along St. Clair Avenue, and dedicated cultural landmarks, the enduring bond between Cleveland and Croatian heritage remains proudly preserved.