Mario Hezonja's NBA return is not as simple as agreeing to terms.
Marc Stein reported that Cleveland is "working through" the steps required to secure a FIBA Letter of Clearance from Real Madrid, which the Cavaliers need before they can officially sign Hezonja as a free agent.
The hang-up is with Real Madrid. According to The Stein Line, the Spanish club has pushed back on setting Hezonja free because he did not have his next team lined up until July 26. His Real Madrid contract included an NBA out clause that required a $1 million payment to the club, but that clause had to be formally exercised by July 20.
That leaves Cleveland trying to solve the paperwork and rights issue after the deadline passed. Stein also cited a Marca report saying Real Madrid has proposed retaining Hezonja's EuroLeague rights in exchange for letting him go to the NBA. That would give Madrid a path to re-sign him if the 31-year-old leaves the league for a second time.
For the Cavaliers, this is a depth move with some administrative drag. Hezonja can help only after the clearance is finished, and Real Madrid still appears to have leverage in how cleanly the move gets completed.
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