Mario Hezonja deal with Cavs still being finalized as speculation swirls

Mario Hezonja agreed to join the Cavaliers. Now comes the paperwork.

While the Cavs and the veteran forward reached agreement on a one-year contract over the weekend, the deal has not yet become official as the sides work through the remaining steps.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Cavs are still finalizing the process needed to complete the signing.

That timing has drawn some attention overseas. Stein reported that NBA teams, including Cleveland, had been trying to capitalize on a July 20 NBA-out clause in Hezonja’s contract with Real Madrid.

However, the Spanish powerhouse has reportedly resisted releasing the Croatian forward because he didn’t have an NBA team lined up until July 26. That has fueled speculation in some European basketball circles that Hezonja could ultimately wind up somewhere other than Cleveland.

One report cited by Polish journalist Mateusz Babiarz suggested an unlikely scenario in which the Cavaliers would simply help facilitate Hezonja’s exit from Real Madrid before he signs a lucrative contract with Dubai Basketball.

There has been no indication from the Cavs that such an outcome is being considered. In fact, Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs said he has been told Cleveland fully expects Hezonja to be part of next season’s roster.

“As far as I have gathered, this is not Cleveland’s plan,” Cunningham wrote on X. “From what I’ve been told the Cavs are planning on having Hezonja.”

So, yes, all signs still point toward Hezonja joining the Cavaliers. The only thing left is making it official.