Cavaliers Find Wing Help With Signing of Mario Hezonja

The Cavaliers may have come up short in the LeBron James sweepstakes, but they did address their need for another wing by signing forward Mario Hezonja over the weekend. Hezonja was signed to a one-year, 2.8 million dollar contract. Hezonja returns to the NBA after spending the last six seasons playing in Europe.

Hezonja is a native of Dubrovnik, Croatia. He was picked fifth in the 2015 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. Hezonja never made a huge impact during three seasons in Orlando. He then spent a season each in both New York and Portland. Over his five seasons in the NBA, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Two of Hezonja’s more memorable moments in the NBA came during his time with the Knicks. He dunked over Giannis Antetokounmpo and also blocked a potential game-winning shot by LeBron James.

Hezonja has spent the last four seasons playing in Spain with Real Madrid. He was named the MVP of the Spanish league this past season, averaging 17.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 1.9 APG. His squad also won the Liga ACB championship in 2024 and 2025. Hezonja also played for Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos before signing with Real Madrid.

Hezonja should have every opportunity to earn minutes in Kenny Atkinson’s rotation this season. He is a good shooter coming off screens and dribble hand-offs. Although he is not an elite athlete, he is adept at getting to the rim. Hezonja utilities fadeways, step-backs, and up-and-under moves to score over taller defenders.

Hezonja could be a good fit playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. He should get some open catch-and-shoot threes as defenders collapse on Mitchell and Harden. Hezonja is not a great defender, but has enough athleticism to at least compete at that end of the floor. Hezonja could be utilized off the bench for his scoring, an area that the Cavaliers struggled with at times last season.

Signing Hezonja does not mean the Cavaliers are done making moves. They have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga, and still have Max Strus and Dennis Schroder on the roster as valuable salaries to include in trades. “Super Mario” may not be the missing piece the Cavaliers need to compete for a championship, but he should be able to provide solid play on the wing in 2026-2027 for Cleveland.