Mario Hezonja has spent the past two seasons with Real Madrid in Spain. He entered the NBA as the fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft. During his time in the league, he suited up for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers while struggling to cement himself in an NBA rotation.

According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Hezonja could return to the NBA this summer.

“Don’t be surprised to see (Hezonja) back in the league next season after stints with the Magic, New York and Portland,” Stein reported. “Hezonja spent the past two seasons at Real Madrid and is increasingly coming up as a free agent to watch this offseason when it comes to an NBA return.”

Hezonja could be garnering additional interest of late due to the success of Dante Exum. Like Hezonja, Exum headed for Europe after struggling to nail down a consistent role with an NBA team. 

Once in Europe, Exum thrived, earning himself a second chance in the NBA. He is now coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. 

Teams around the NBA may be looking at Exum and wondering how to find a similar reclamation project. Hezonja could fit the bill. He has impressed with Madrid – both in the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague – where he has shot over 45% from three-point range in each of the last two seasons. 

NBA teams will always look for low-cost talent. Hezonja could find himself benefiting from Exum’s success. His previous experience in the NBA could be enticing for teams, as he will understand the speed and physicality of the game. 

Whether Hezonja can carry his impressive European production to an NBA bench remains to be seen. Still, his tenure with Madrid has allowed him to try and crack an NBA rotation next season, assuming a team comes knocking for him this summer.