Mario Hezonja is gaining momentum in his NBA comeback, with multiple teams showing interest in the Real Madrid forward. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, some of those franchises are also pursuing four-time NBA MVP LeBron James.
The latest report adds another intriguing layer to the offseason market, as several teams exploring options for James are also evaluating Mario Hezonja as a potential addition. The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors have all been mentioned among the possible destinations for LeBron James.
Latest on former No. 5 overall pick Mario Hezonja per league sources:
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 22, 2026
🏀 Hezonja indeed expected to rejoin the NBA for the first time since 2019-20.
🏀 Multiple NBA teams have shown interest in the Real Madrid forward.
🏀 List said to include teams also pursuing LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/le0tCT8FYi
NBA teams interested in Mario Hezonja are also monitoring LeBron James situation
According to Marc Stein, multiple NBA teams have expressed interest in bringing Mario Hezonja back to the league, with the list of interested franchises said to include teams also pursuing LeBron James.
The exact teams interested in Hezonja have not been revealed, but the latest report confirms that the Croatian forward’s NBA market is growing after several strong seasons in European basketball.
Hezonja’s possible return comes after he established himself as one of the most recognizable players in the EuroLeague. With Real Madrid, he became an important part of the team’s success, winning the EuroLeague title and developing into a versatile forward capable of impacting games as a scorer, shooter and defender.
The 31-year-old forward has rebuilt his reputation after leaving the NBA, proving that he can consistently perform at the highest level in one of the strongest competitions outside the United States.
Mario Hezonja informed Real Madrid of NBA return decision
The latest developments follow a report from Spanish journalist Chema De Lucas, who revealed that Hezonja informed Real Madrid officials of his decision to pursue an NBA opportunity.
Although the Croatian forward signed a long-term contract with Real Madrid that runs until 2029, his deal includes an NBA exit clause that allows him to leave the Spanish club for a return to the league.
Speculation about Hezonja’s NBA comeback had been building throughout the season, particularly after the forward changed agents and began working with Misko Raznatovic, one of the most influential basketball agents in Europe.
Former No. 5 pick left memorable NBA moments
This would not be Hezonja’s first NBA experience. The Croatian forward was selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2015 NBA Draft and spent five seasons in the league.
During his NBA career, Hezonja also played for the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers before returning to Europe in 2020. Although he never fully reached the expectations that came with being a top-five pick, he produced several memorable moments against some of the biggest stars in basketball.
One of those moments came during his time with the New York Knicks against the Los Angeles Lakers. Late in a close game, Hezonja made a crucial defensive play by blocking LeBron James on a game-winning possession, helping New York secure a dramatic victory.
Another unforgettable sequence came against the Milwaukee Bucks, when Hezonja attacked the basket and finished with a powerful dunk while Giannis Antetokounmpo was chasing the play. After completing the dunk, Hezonja stepped over Antetokounmpo, who had fallen to the floor, creating one of the most viral moments of his NBA career.
