Mario Hezonja Signals Intention to Pursue NBA Return

Overview

• Multiple reports cite Croatian forward Mario Hezonja as having told Real Madrid he intends to return to the NBA for the 2026/27 season, with the information coming from secondary sources rather than formal club or player statements.
• Those reports say Hezonja is under a long-term Real Madrid contract through 2029 but that the deal includes an NBA out clause of about $850,000 that would function as the buyout to clear him to leave.
• Hezonja rebuilt his market in Europe over the past four seasons with Real Madrid, earning Liga Endesa regular-season MVP honors and helping the club reach the 2025/26 EuroLeague final.
• Donatas Urbonas and other reporters say he has drawn renewed interest from numerous NBA teams who view him as a sizey wing who could fill a veteran bench role on short-term or veteran-minimum deals.
• The situation remains unconfirmed and depends on buyout mechanics and negotiations, and reporting notes Real Madrid’s decision to part ways with coach Sergio Scariolo was a factor in Hezonja’s reported decision to explore an NBA return.