NBA Website Reveals All: Hezonja Officially a Cavalier!

Mario Hezonja has officially signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a development confirmed on the NBA's official website. While the team itself has yet to make an announcement, the league's transaction portal lists the Dubrovnik native as having inked a deal with the Cavs.

The NBA's public transaction portal, which tracks all player movements, now includes Hezonja's signing, alongside information such as Spencer Jones extending his contract with the Denver Nuggets.

There had been speculation that Hezonja might be quickly waived upon his arrival in Ohio. However, judging by the fan reactions to this signing, that scenario now seems unlikely.

Despite not yet playing a single minute in his new uniform, the former Real Madrid star has already received a significant tribute. A mural featuring his likeness and the inscription "New King in Town" has appeared on a wall in Cleveland, serving as a warm welcome from the fans.

For the 31-year-old Croatian basketball player, this marks a return to the NBA's biggest stage. In his initial stint in the league (2015–2020), after being selected as the 5th overall pick in the draft, he played 330 games for Orlando, New York, and Portland. During that time, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.

After leaving the United States, Hezonja returned to Europe, where he fully blossomed into one of the EuroLeague's most dominant wing players. Playing for Panathinaikos, UNICS, and then Real Madrid, with whom he won a championship title, he averaged 11.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in Europe's elite competition.

His performances with Real Madrid caught the attention of the Cleveland front office, who offered him a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. Although LeBron James' departure to the 76ers altered the franchise's plans, the Cavaliers believe that a more mature and complete Hezonja will provide much-needed shooting depth for the upcoming season.