Mario Hezonja has been in the middle of transfer rumors lately, as his future with Real Madrid remains up in the air. The Croatian star forward is on an expiring contract and hasn’t reached an agreement on a new deal with the “Whites” yet. Thus, rumors about his future with the reigning EuroLeague champions have emerged.
However, Mario Hezonja doesn’t pay attention to transfer rumors and has his sights set on helping Rea Madrid win all titles this season. Hezonja spoke with Croatian media heading into the tip-off of the 2025 EuroBasket Qualifiers and revealed that he keeps his options open for the summer, including an NBA return.
“An NBA return always emerges as a scenario, no matter if it is necessary or not. We will see in the summer. Media report about Real Madrid and Panathinaikos. I don’t pay attention. I am focused on Real Madrid. I have reached a point in my career where I don’t care about the chatter. And this is a big success for me. But, I keep my options open,” Mario Hezonja said, via Sport24.gr.
At the moment, if Hezonja leaves Real Madrid, Panathinaikos will emerge as frontrunner to land him, especially if he stays in Europe and doesn’t pursue an NBA return.
Mario Hezonja has reportedly rejected contract extension offers from Real Madrid twice
Mario Hezonja and Real Madrid have been in talks for a contract extension. Still, there is no progress and the two sides appear to be ways away from a new deal. As we said on Wednesday, the Spanish website Marca reported that Hezonja has rejected an extension offer from the “Whites” twice.
The Spanish media outlet also reported that the Croatian forward appears to be dissatisfied with his role on the team and could seek a new challenge in the summer.
Mario Hezonja has appeared in 25 of Real Madrid’s 26 games in the EuroLeague so far and has averages of 13.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and a PIR of 12.8, on 42.7 percent from beyond the arc. The “Whites” lead the way in the standings with a 22-4 record.
