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Last season's Spanish League MVP, Mario Hezonja, has informed Real Madrid of his decision to leave the club and return to the NBA, according to Eurohoops, citing journalist Chema de Lucas.
The 31-year-old Croatian, who can play both small forward and power forward, is the latest departure from "Los Blancos" this summer. In recent weeks, the club parted ways with head coach Sergio Scariolo after just one season, and forward Trey Lyles opted to return to the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Hezonja, who was under contract with Real until the summer of 2029, has now activated his NBA return clause. His last stint in the NBA was in 2020 with the Portland Trail Blazers.
During his time with Real Madrid, the Croatian won the EuroLeague in 2023, two Spanish League titles, a Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Supercups. Previously, he played for the Orlando Magic from 2015 to 2018 and the New York Knicks during the 2018/19 season. In 330 NBA games (69 starts), he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
In the EuroLeague final in May, where the Spanish giants fell to Olympiacos 85:92, Mario Hezonja contributed 19 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
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