SerpApi.Org
NBA rumors: LeBron James suitors in on former No. 5 pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As the NBA continues waiting for LeBron James to announce where he will play during a historic 24th season, several of his reported suitors are also pursuing former No. 5 overall pick Mario Hezonja.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that multiple teams interested in signing James have also expressed interest in bringing Hezonja back to the league after a six-year absence.
“Latest on former No. 5 overall pick Mario Hezonja per league sources:
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
Hezonja indeed expected to rejoin the NBA for the first time since 2019-20.
Multiple NBA teams have shown interest in the Real Madrid forward.
List said to include teams also pursuing LeBron James.”
Stein did not identify the teams involved, but the report suggests organizations hoping to land James are simultaneously exploring additional roster upgrades ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Hezonja, 31, was selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2015 NBA Draft. Despite flashes of athleticism and scoring ability, he never fully established himself during NBA stops with the Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Mario Hezonja emerges as intriguing target for LeBron James suitors
His most recent NBA season came with Portland in 2019-20, when he averaged 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.2% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range in 53 games, including four starts. He averaged 16.4 minutes per contest before returning to Europe.
Since leaving the NBA, Hezonja has revitalized his career overseas. During the 2025-26 season with Real Madrid, he averaged 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 46.5% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 90.2% from the free-throw line across 28 appearances.
James has remained quiet about his next destination after departing the Los Angeles Lakers. During his Fanatics FanFest NYC appearance last week, he declined to reveal his plans when Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton attempted to get an answer during a live recording of Mind the Game. James also said his motivation for returning for a record-setting 24th NBA season comes from his love of competition and his desire to continue inspiring both younger athletes and those from his own generation.
With free agency still unfolding, teams pursuing James appear to be preparing for multiple scenarios, including the possible addition of an experienced European scorer in Hezonja.
Like ClutchPoints’ content? Be sure to follow us.
Related: NBA rumors: Insider shuts down Lakers-Mavericks trade ideas despite Luka Doncic ties
Related: NBA rumors: Why insider is ruling out Russell Westbrook returns to Wizards, Kings
