The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are eyeing a new forward signing to keep their rosters competitive after missing out on LeBron James’ signature.
The Warriors and Cavaliers were among the four finalists for LeBron’s services, alongside the Heat and the 76ers.
While Philadelphia enjoys securing James’ commitment, the Warriors and Cavaliers need to abruptly turn to the free agency market and try to find a replacement any way they can for the star they missed out on.
Cavaliers and Warriors eyeing the same target as LeBron James’ consolation prize
ESPN’s Shams Charania has revealed that former New York Knicks forward Mario Hezonja could return to the NBA after six years overseas, with both Cleveland and Golden State trying to bring him back.
“Another player getting interest from Cleveland and Golden State is Mario Hezonja. He was a high-lottery pick 11 years ago.”
Hezonja last played in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019-20. He spent the last four seasons with Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid.
His career NBA averages are 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds, but he promises to be an athletic three-and-D forward with the ability to create opportunities for himself.
Hezonja’s career highlight is dunking on LeBron, but it’ll be a tall ask to expect him to come back to either the Cavaliers or Warriors and give them the production they expected if LeBron joined.
How would this signing help the Warriors or Cavaliers?
Hezonja would have a bigger role on the Warriors, whose primary starting small forwards (Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody) are expected to miss most of next season with injury.
Hezonja would be a great offensive option next to Steph Curry, and could thrive under Draymond Green’s playmaking with his off-ball movement.
The 31-year-old Croatian forward would have a smaller role on a robust Cavaliers forward rotation, which places Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson ahead of him.
However, with Cleveland looking to compete for a title, Hezonja could easily earn a starting role for the franchise with his production.
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