The Cleveland Cavaliers did not get LeBron James, but they did sign someone who once blocked him for a game-winner several years ago.

Former Knicks swingman and draft bust Mario Hezonja is back in the NBA, agreeing to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cavs, per ESPN. The 31-year-old returning to the NBA for the first time since 2020, and four years after saying he would never do so.

“No, I’m not going to return to the NBA”, Hezonja said, according to Basket News in April of 2022. “There was a lot I didn’t like there, I didn’t get the respect that I deserved.”

Hezonja added, “In my opinion, the NBA is more of a show than the game itself.”

The news arrives following the stunner of LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers over the Cavs and Miami Heat, who were among the other teams in pursuit.

The Dubrovnik, Croatia native was selected No. 5 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, one slot behind the Knicks, who selected fellow European standout Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4.

Hezonja spent his first three seasons with the Orlando Magic, who declined his fourth-year option, which made him a free agent in 2018, when he was signed to a one-year deal by the Knicks.

His best NBA season came in 2017-18, his last in Orlando, where he posted 9.6 points per game and shot 44.2 percent from the field, both career-highs.

His most recent NBA stint came in 2019-20 with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Over the last four seasons, Hezonja has starred for Real Madrid, one of the premier basketball teams worldwide, where he had a very successful tenure.

While in Madrid, Hezonja won a prestigious EuroLeague title in 2023, his first season with the club, and was named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2024 for the first time in his career.

Madrid also competes in the Spanish ACB league domestically, where Hezonja and the team won the Liga Endesa title in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

At Madrid, Hezonja also won the Liga ACB MVP for his play in the 2025-26 season.

This past season, Hezonja averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while logging 23.1 minutes per contest.

Hezonja also actively plays for the Croatian national basketball team, having just participated in the FIBA 2027 World Cup Qualifying window earlier this month.