Croatian forward Mario Hezonja could return to the NBA next season as interest from several teams grows, according to a report by Marc Stein on Substack.
Hezonja has spent the last three years playing in Europe for Panathinaikos, UNICS, and most recently Real Madrid.
Hezonja, drafted No. 5 overall by Orlando in 2015, last played in the NBA in the 2019-20 season.
Hezonja’s recent performance with Real Madrid, where he won a EuroLeague title last season, has increased his visibility as a potential NBA free agent.
This offseason, Hezonja was close to signing a four-year deal with Barcelona, Real Madrid’s archrival.
However, the deal reportedly fell through due to Hezonja’s public comments about his intention to continue playing for Real Madrid.
Hezonja’s experience and success in Europe have made him an attractive option for NBA teams looking to bolster their rosters.
His previous stints in the NBA included playing for the Magic, New York, and Portland.
