Mario Hezonja has officially informed Real Madrid that he plans to leave the club and return to the NBA, according to Chema de Lucas.
Although the Croatian forward signed a contract through 2029, it included an NBA escape clause that remained valid until July 20, as previously reported by BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas.
Hezonja has now notified the club that he intends to exercise that option. His NBA buyout is expected to be around the standard $850,000.
NBA teams have reportedly been impressed not only by Hezonja’s talent and versatility but also by positive reports about his growth and maturity off the court, making him an attractive veteran wing option.
Hezonja heads back to the NBA after an outstanding EuroLeague season with Real Madrid, averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists while helping the club reach the championship game.
He starred in the semifinal against Valencia with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists without committing a turnover, before recording 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals in the final against eventual champion Olympiacos.
The 31-year-old was selected fifth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft and previously played 330 NBA games with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.
More details on his contract: https://t.co/xc3uLA2ywv
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 20, 2026
