Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[HoosierDaddyKid]

One source close to the process told The Stein Line that Cleveland is "working through" the requisite steps to secure the needed FIBA Letter of Clearance from Real Madrid to officially sign Hezonja as a free agent. The Spanish giants are said to have pushed back on setting Hezonja free because he didn't have his next team lined up until July 26. Hezonja's Real Madrid contract featured an NBA out clause — requiring a $1 million payment to the club — that had to be formally exercised by July 20. According to a report in Spanish national sports daily Marca, Real Madrid has proposed retaining Hezonja's Euro League rights in exchange for letting him go to the NBA, thus ensuring that it would be able to re-sign Hezonja in the event that the 31-year-old leaves the NBA for a second time.

marcstein.substack.com