Hezonja Signs with Cleveland, but Contract Won't Be Guaranteed Until November

Mario Hezonja's return to the NBA comes with an important caveat. The Croatian small forward is now a Cleveland Cavaliers player, but his contract is not guaranteed from day one.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Hezonja has signed a one-year deal with Cleveland, but the $2.8 million of his agreement will only become fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster beyond November 15.

The detail changes the reading of the move somewhat. Hezonja gets to return to the NBA after several important years in Europe, but he doesn't arrive with a guaranteed spot for the entire season. He'll need to impress at the start of the season, earn minutes, and prove he can play a useful role in the Cavaliers' rotation.

The Croatian comes off closing his stint with Real Madrid, where he was one of the team's most impactful players and left after several days of tension over his NBA clause. Ultimately, the Spanish club and the player agreed to end their relationship, opening the door to his return to the United States.

For Cleveland, the move carries little financial risk. If Hezonja fits, they keep a small forward with experience, scoring ability, and size for an affordable amount. If he doesn't, the franchise has room before the salary becomes guaranteed.

For the player, meanwhile, November looms as the first hurdle. The contract is already signed, but his true continuity with Cleveland will start to be decided from the first practice.