Kenny Atkinson has made the Cleveland Cavaliers’ excitement about Mario Hezonja clear, giving EuroLeague clubs eagerly awaiting the Croatian star’s possible release plenty to think about.
“Super Mario” completed a hugely successful four-year spell at Real Madrid, reaching three EuroLeague finals and winning Europe’s premier club competition in 2023. The Croatian small forward established himself as one of the best in his position in Europe, averaging 13.3 points and 4 rebounds last season. Yet in the summer of 2026, he dominated the transfer headlines for… the wrong reasons.
It is perfectly understandable, and fairly common, for a player to want to make the jump to the NBA or pursue a second chance in the world’s most glamorous league. But the way Hezonja handled his departure from Movistar Arena left a bitter taste among Real Madrid’s fans and management. The summer guessing game even fuelled speculation that at times bordered on conspiracy theories.
Quite a few believed the 31-year-old had joined Cleveland simply to become a free agent shortly afterwards and return to Europe, where several clubs would be ready to roll out the red carpet with offers worth millions of euros. Remember, the former Panathinaikos player’s contract with the Spanish giants contained only an NBA out clause. A move to the world’s best league was his only route out of Madrid.
For his part, Hezonja has never publicly or officially suggested that he does not believe in the Cavaliers’ plans or that he wants to return to Europe. Yet the speculation kept gathering momentum, with reports coming from every corner of the continent. It is an open secret in EuroLeague circles that Dubai are prepared to offer him one of the competition’s biggest contracts. Meanwhile, numerous reports have also linked reigning European champions Olympiacos, coached by Georgios Bartzokas, with a move for Croatia’s leading man should Cleveland release him.
A few important details are worth highlighting here. The four-time Spanish league champion with Barcelona and Real Madrid signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Cleveland. As HoopsHype revealed, the deal is not guaranteed for the full season: the Cavaliers have until November 15 to decide whether to keep him on their roster for the entire campaign.
NBA teams are now opening training camp, and nobody knows what will happen in roughly two months. For now, though, if we stick to what has been said on the record, the focus has to be on Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was full of praise for Hezonja.
“I’ve heard how he has played these last five years. I think he’s going to surprise some people. I’m excited.” He then addressed the signing and its timing: “You always want that, where is there gonna be an outside spark from somewhere. I love that we took a different path to obtain a player with the experience and credibility he has. And I think to get the player at the right time in his career. Sometimes it’s about, obviously, a tremendously talented player, but when you get that person in their career at the right time.”
Atkinson went a step further, expressing his admiration for the Croatian’s physical attributes. “He gives us a physical presence. He’s 255 pounds. He’s changed his body. Still has his skill and his speed, but a much more powerful player, which I think fits in today’s NBA with all the switching and stuff. So, he’ll be able to punish switches. Just really excited where he’s going to fit in this puzzle, but very impressive so far.”
Back in Europe, several clubs are waiting, either openly or privately, for news before November 15 that “Super Mario” has been waived. For the moment, however, the Cavaliers say they are delighted with him…
The next episode of the never-ending Hezonja saga promises to make compelling viewing.