Croatian forward Mario Hezonja has informed Real Madrid of his intention to pay the $850,000 buyout clause to leave for the NBA. The decision, anticipated since he changed agents, leaves new coach Pedro Martínez without one of his key players.
Real Madrid loses one of its most talented players. Mario Hezonja has informed the white club that he will pay the $850,000 buyout clause to head back to the NBA. The 30-year-old Croatian forward had renewed last season but included an escape option that he is now exercising.
The news, first reported by journalist Chema de Lucas, comes on the last day Hezonja had to make his decision. The change of agent to Misko Raznatovic, known for facilitating moves to the NBA, had already hinted at this outcome. Additionally, the recent departure of Sergio Scariolo as coach, replaced by Pedro Martínez, accelerated events. Hezonja reacted on social media with a critical message after Scariolo's departure was announced:
"At this point, should I write paragraphs here or record a TikTok video blowing fire?" he wrote on X.
A goodbye that forces a squad restructure
Hezonja's departure represents a severe blow to Pedro Martínez's project, who took over the coaching role just a few weeks ago. The forward was one of the team's offensive leaders, averaging 14.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in last season's EuroLeague. His ability to play in multiple positions and his competitive nature made him a difficult piece to replace.
The management, led by Juan Carlos Sánchez, is already working on finding alternatives in the market. The club has some salary cap flexibility, but they must act quickly if they want to fill the gap before the pre-season begins. Meanwhile, the player is already negotiating with several NBA teams, although his destination remains unknown.
For Madrid fans, the news comes during a tumultuous summer for the basketball section. Following Scariolo's departure and now Hezonja's, the club is looking to maintain the competitive level that has led them to win the Liga Endesa in recent seasons.
The future of Eli Ndiaye is uncertain
In addition to Hezonja's departure, Real Madrid has another open front: Eli Ndiaye. The 22-year-old power forward, who came through the white academy, has an offer from Valencia Basket that the club must match by Friday the 24th. If they fail to do so, the player will sign with the taronja team.
Ndiaye, who averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes per game last season, left in the summer of 2025 for the Atlanta Hawks, where he played in the G-League and suffered a shoulder injury. Real Madrid retained his rights in the ACB and must now decide whether to bring him back or let him go. If they match the offer, they will have to pay an additional 10% on the gross salary of the new contract, according to Liga Endesa rules.
For the team, retaining Ndiaye would be an interesting option to strengthen the interior game, especially after Hezonja's departure. However, the club must weigh whether the financial investment is worthwhile for a player who has yet to fully break out in Europe.
The deadline is just a few days away, so the management is working against the clock. Meanwhile, fans are waiting for news on both fronts. The upcoming season looks full of uncertainty for Real Madrid basketball, which will need to rebuild without two of its key pieces.
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