Agent: Magic draft pick Mario Hezonja, Barcelona agree to buyout
The agent for Mario Hezonja told the Orlando Sentinel that FC Barcelona and Hezonja have finalized a buyout agreement that will allow his client to sign with the Orlando Magic and play the 2015–16 season.
The Magic drafted Hezonja with the No. 5 pick at last week's NBA draft. The Croatian-born wing has spent the last three seasons playing in Spain with FC Barcelona.
Basketball Insiders' David Pick reports that the buyout agreement is worth $1.4 million and that Hezonja will arrive in Orlando on Wednesday.
Hezonja, 20, played 15.4 minutes per game this season and averaged 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per 36 minutes, while shooting 37.9% on three-pointers.
• Get to know Mario Hezonja: The Croatian J.R. Smith
The Magic drafted Hezonja just one pick after the New York Knicks selected Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis, making for a top five that included two European players. Hezonja will be the third active Croatian NBA player, joining Bojan Bogdanovic and Damjan Rudez.
- Molly Geary
