Mario Hezonja, Cavs Reportedly 'Working Through' Issue over Real Madrid Contract amid NBA Rumors

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still finalizing a deal with Real Madrid star Mario Hezonja due to a reported dispute regarding his EuroLeague contract.

Hezonja's agent Michael Tellem told ESPN's Shams Charania Sunday his client had agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cavs.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday the Cavaliers are "working through" the steps needed to sign Hezonja.

Hezonja had an "NBA out" clause lasting until July 20 built into his EuroLeague deal, according to Stein.

Real Madrid has "reportedly pushed back on releasing the Croatian forward since he did not have his NBA team lined up until July 26," Stein reported.

BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas previously reported Hezonja's NBA out clause is valid until July 20 each offseason through 2029.

Urbonas also reported Hezonja "turned down offers from three EuroLeague clubs to sign conditional contracts that would have taken effect only if his NBA stint ended prematurely" due to confidence he will remain in the league.

Hezonja, originally selected by the Orlando Magic with the fifth pick in the 2015 draft, played five NBA seasons with the Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.

He has played since the 2022-23 season for Real Madrid, where he won a EuroLeague title in 2024 and was top scorer as the club reached another final in 2026.

Hezonja also averaged 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the club in Liga ACB play last season before he was named MVP of the top Spanish league.

The 31-year-old is now hoping to build on that campaign in what would be his first NBA action since the 2019-20 season.