Mario Hezonja leaves Real Madrid to return to the NBA
It looks set to be a particularly busy summer for Real Madrid. After a coaching change and numerous roster moves, the Madrid club has just learned significant news: Mario Hezonja will not be with them next season. The information was revealed by journalist Chema de Lucas.
The Croatian forward has informed Real Madrid of his decision to leave the club this summer and return to the NBA. Although he was tied to the Spanish club by a contract running through 2029, Hezonja had a clause allowing him to join the North American league, which he decided to exercise before the July 20 deadline.
ÚLTIMA HORA: Mario Hezonja ha comunicado al Real Madrid que ejecuta su cláusula y se va a la #NBA.
BREAKING: Mario Hezonja has informed Real Madrid that he is leaving for the #NBA.
— Chema de Lucas (@chemadelucas) July 20, 2026
A return to the NBA for one of Real Madrid’s standout players in recent seasons
This departure represents a significant loss for Real Madrid. Hezonja was indeed one of the club’s key players in recent years, contributing to numerous successes. With the Madrid side, the 2025-2026 Liga Endesa MVP won one EuroLeague title, two Liga Endesa titles, one Copa del Rey and two Super Cups.
This will not be the Croatian’s first attempt at making it across the Atlantic. The 5th pick of the 2015 Draft had already played in the NBA between 2015 and 2018 with the Orlando Magic, before joining the New York Knicks for the 2018-2019 season, then the Portland Trail Blazers for one additional season.
Will Mario Hezonja average more than 10 points per game in the NBA next season?
After returning to Europe following that American stint that fell short of expectations, Hezonja first wore the jersey of Panathinaikos and then UNICS Kazan, before signing with Real Madrid in 2022. Over the past season, the Dubrovnik native averaged 13.3 points on 42.6% shooting (including 30.6% from three-point range on 5 attempts per game), 4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 23 minutes per game over 44 games played.
His return to the NBA naturally raises questions: which franchise will bet on this experienced forward, capable of performing at a high level in both Europe and North America? The answer should come in the next few weeks, as Free agency is in full swing and many teams look to bolster their rosters for the 2026-2027 season.
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