George: Kings are not currently pursuing Mario Hezonja

Croatian forward Mario Hezonja appears set to make another run at the NBA, but despite speculation connecting him to the Sacramento Kings, there doesn’t appear to be any traction between the two sides.

According to reports from Chema de Lucas and BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas, Hezonja has informed Real Madrid that he intends to return to the NBA for the 2026-27 season.

The 31-year-old former fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft has spent the last four seasons starring for Real Madrid, where he helped lead the club to the EuroLeague championship game and earned Liga Endesa MVP honors during the 2025-26 campaign.

His decision to pursue an NBA return, combined with Kings general manager Scott Perry’s history with the Croatian forward, quickly sparked speculation among Sacramento fans.

On the latest edition of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, George explained why those connections make sense on paper.

“When the Orlando Magic drafted him, Scott Perry was part of the Orlando Magic front office,” George said. “There was a time where Mario Hezonja was very nearly a King until Scott Perry snatched him from the hands of the Kings to bring him to New York.”

CELJE, SLOVENIA – AUGUST 20: Mario Hezonja of Croatia shoots the ball reacts during the basketball friendly match between Slovenia and Croatia in Dvorak Zlatorog hall on August 20, 2022 in Celje, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

More on Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers after previous stops with Orlando and New York. Across 330 NBA games, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 40.1% from the field.

Since moving overseas, however, Hezonja has reinvented himself. During the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, he averaged 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and shot 81% from the free-throw line.

In Spain’s Liga Endesa, he elevated his production even further, averaging 17.5 points while shooting 46% from the field, 36% from three-point range and 90% at the foul line.

Despite those improvements, George said his reporting indicates Sacramento is not currently pursuing the veteran forward.

“I poked around about this, and from what I can gather, the Sacramento Kings don’t necessarily have Mario Hezonja on their radar at this point,” George said.

While George acknowledged the Kings have an open roster spot and that Perry’s familiarity with Hezonja naturally fueled rumors, he emphasized there’s no indication a deal is being explored.

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

“I have no reason to believe that Mario Hezonja is coming to the Sacramento Kings,” George said. “There does not appear to be—and in fact, I’ve been told there is not—any connection to the Sacramento Kings with Mario Hezonja at this time.”

That doesn’t completely close the door, as NBA free agency can change quickly, but for now, George’s reporting suggests Sacramento fans shouldn’t expect Hezonja’s NBA comeback to begin with the Kings.

Listen to all episodes of The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Report: Kings unlikely to bring Russell Westbrook back for 2026-27Reflecting on Nique Clifford’s NBA Summer League showingFaithful Flashbacks #36: Harbaugh Takes OverMLB insider says there’s a ‘95% chance’ Luis Arraez is tradedPassan: A’s ‘have zero desire’ to trade Shea Langeliers49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center Stage