By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
According to the Spanish outlet Marca, Mario Hezonja has turned down two contract renewal offers from Real Madrid, citing concerns with both the financial terms and his role within the team.
Reportedly dissatisfied with the economic aspects, Hezonja also appears unenthusiastic about his current role on the team, as described by Marca.
Real Madrid is facing other significant contract renewals, including negotiations with Edy Tavares and Vincent Poirier, limiting their flexibility. Panathinaikos, on the other hand, has reportedly offered the Croatian forward a three-year contract worth two million euros net per year.
Despite being named the EuroLeague MVP for December, coinciding with Guerschon Yabusele’s injury, Hezonja’s playing time diminished upon the Frenchman’s return. In the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, he played only about three minutes in the second half.
The 28-year-old Croatian began his professional career in 2012 with Barcelona and was later selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. After nearly six years in the NBA, he returned to European basketball in 2021 with Panathinaikos. Following a season with UNICS Kazan, Hezonja joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, securing the EuroLeague title with Los Blancos last season.