Hezonja Returns to the NBA! Activates Buyout Clause at the Last Minute, Pays to Leave Real – All Deal Details Revealed

While the name of the new NBA franchise remains under wraps, all signs point to the 31-year-old Dubrovnik native already having a concrete contract and a guaranteed spot on American soil, a scoop exclusively reported by Spanish insider Chema de Lucas.

This significant decision was made in the final minutes before the official deadline. When Hezonja signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid in 2024, the contract included a special exit clause for a return across the Atlantic, valid until July 20th. The Croatian star exercised this right, informing Real's management that he was activating the clause and would pay a buyout fee of 850,000 euros to part ways with the giant club he had successfully represented since 2022.

This time, American franchises weren't just chasing Hezonja for his undeniable offensive repertoire, but primarily for the maturity and mental stability he developed in Europe. This makes him an ideal profile for teams seeking a seasoned, reliable, and versatile wing.

Hezonja leaves Madrid with his head held high after a monstrous EuroLeague season where he was one of Real's main engines on their path to the final stages. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 23 minutes per game.

This will mark his second stint across the Atlantic. To recap, Hezonja was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and between 2015 and 2020, he made a total of 330 appearances for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. During that period, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.

Beyond Real, Hezonja's decision also directly impacts the Croatian national team in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

Due to well-known NBA rules and strict contracts, Hezonja will only be able to play in the next two matches for his national team in the August window against Latvia and the Netherlands. After that, the national team will not be able to count on him for the November international windows against Poland and the Netherlands, nor in subsequent qualifying clashes against Latvia and Poland.

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