Hezonja turns his back on Europe and returns to the NBA

When the EuroLeague feels too small, the ocean's door is always open. Mario Hezonja, one of Real Madrid's biggest names, informed the club he's leaving for the NBA - despite a contract that ran until 2029. The 31-year-old Croatian comes off an excellent season in which he played a central role in Real's run to the EuroLeague final. The buyout clause in his contract is around the standard 850,000 dollars, and what draws NBA clubs isn't just his basketball quality and height, but a more mature approach off the court. Hezonja is no rookie there - drafted fifth overall in 2015, he's already played 330 NBA games for Orlando, New York and Portland. A second chance in the place where the first time didn't quite work out.

Giannis confirmed - he'll play for Greece in the August window

Giannis Antetokounmpo dotted the i's: if called up, he'll play for Greece in the upcoming FIBA window. The star also explained why he missed the previous two games against Romania and Portugal - the reason wasn't a whim, but insurance. „Many don't know this, but to play for the national team, insurance has to be paid,” Giannis said. NBA contracts are enormous, so if a player gets hurt in a FIBA match, the policy has to cover the full amount. Greece is in a tough spot in qualifying after the losses to Romania and Portugal - Ukraine awaits on 28 August and Spain on 31 August. Two matches that decide a lot, and this time their biggest asset will be on the court.

LeBron before „The Decision” - Miami leads the race

At 41, the four-time MVP is once again holding the whole basketball world in suspense. LeBron James is in the final stage of deciding where he continues, and according to former teammate and analyst Kendrick Perkins, the Miami Heat are at the top of his list. „I heard Miami is in first place,” Perkins said. ESPN reports point to Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia as favorites, and sources claim James has already gathered all the information and the choice is now entirely his. If Giannis is already in Miami, and LeBron is thinking of joining them - Florida suddenly turns into a destination everyone dreams about. The only question is whether the years allow one more big move.

MZT Skopje returns to the European stage after 25 years

At home, the biggest news comes from Aerodrom. MZT Skopje will play in a European club competition under FIBA's auspices again after a full 25 years - this season the „metallers” will be part of the FIBA Europe Cup. Executive director Filip Gjorevski doesn't hide what that means. „Playing in Europe was my wish from the first day I came to the club. MZT Skopje, as the most decorated and most dominant Macedonian basketball club of the last two decades, has an obligation to represent Macedonia on the European stage too,” he says. The goal is to bring back the old atmosphere in the „Jane Sandanski” hall, when Real Madrid, Ulm, Porto or Benfica came to Aerodrom. Domestic trophies remain the priority, but the return to Europe is a signal that the ambitions haven't gone out.

Pešić comes to Skopje to teach Macedonian coaches

When a legend comes to your city, you sit down and listen. Svetislav Pešić, one of the most respected basketball experts in Europe, will be the main lecturer at the mandatory coaching clinic on 24 and 25 August in Skopje. Behind him stand more than four decades of a rich coaching career, a EuroLeague title, European and world successes with national teams and a place in the FIBA Hall of Fame. Attendance at the clinic is mandatory for all Macedonian coaches - it's one of the conditions for getting a license for the 2026/27 season. A chance for domestic experts to hear firsthand the philosophy of a man who knows how to build a winning team. Knowledge like this rarely comes within reach - it would be a shame to miss it.