The Golden State Warriors have suffered a blow in their NBA free agency efforts after losing out on Mario Hezonja. The 31-year-old forward had been a target for the Warriors, who were looking to replace LeBron James after he committed to the Philadelphia 76ers.
What happened?
The Warriors had been in talks with Hezonja, who had been playing in the Euroleague for Real Madrid. However, the forward has chosen to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Hezonja will spend the 2025-2026 NBA season with the Cavs, marking his return to the league.
Why it matters for Golden State Warriors
The loss of Hezonja is a significant blow for the Warriors, who are already working on bringing back Draymond Green in free agency. The team will have to pivot to other forward targets, which could be a challenging task given the current market. The Warriors are coming off a recent form slump, having lost their last three games (Recent form: 1W-0D-4L, most recent first).
What comes next?
The Warriors will have to regroup and reassess their options in the free agency market. They will likely focus on other forward targets, but it remains to be seen whether they can find a suitable replacement for Hezonja. The team's head coach, Steve Kerr, will have to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks to ensure the Warriors are competitive in the 2025-2026 season. Last result: LA Clippers 115-110 Golden State Warriors (2026-04-13).
