Mario Hezonja has shaken up European basketball after informing Real Madrid that he wants to leave the club and return to the NBA.
The Croatian forward notified Madrid on Monday that he planned to activate his NBA exit clause by paying $1 million.
However, according to Marca, he has neither presented an NBA offer nor paid the buyout, potentially jeopardizing his return.
Under the ACB collective agreement, the clause payment must accompany the notification.
Since that reportedly did not happen, Hezonja’s representatives have offered Real Madrid a larger buyout in hopes of securing his release.
The situation now gives Madrid the advantage, allowing the club to negotiate a higher fee or keep Hezonja by arguing the contract terms were not properly fulfilled.
Marca adds that if Hezonja fails to stick with an NBA team and is waived, he would be free to sign with any EuroLeague club, as his current contract only includes an NBA exit clause.
Mario Hezonja’s potential Real Madrid exit becomes complicatedhttps://t.co/TpKaIgwEpU
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 22, 2026
