International Notes: Hezonja, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Kabengele, Francisco, Bolomboy

Mario Hezonja hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2019/20 season but he’s still hoping to sign another NBA contract, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.

Hezonja is currently on a long-term contract with Real Madrid running until 2029 but his deal includes an NBA exit clause. His buyout clause for an NBA return would be approximately $85oK. Urbonas hears that Hezonja’s departure from Madrid is now considered a real possibility. Hezonja is now actively initiating contact to make a return to the United States a reality.

Hezonja averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.1 minutes per game while making 80 appearances for Real Madrid last season.

Here’s more from around the international basketball world:

Speaking of Real Madrid, the Spanish club has reached a two-year contract with another former NBA forward, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, according to Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.net. The signing hinges on reaching a buyout agreement with Kosner Baskonia. Last season, he led Liga Endesa in scoring by averaging 18.1 points per game and earning a spot on the All-ACB First Team. Luwawu-Cabarrot also averaged 18.2 points in EuroLeague contests, along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2021/22 season.
Mfiondu Kabengele has signed a contract extension with Dubai through the 2028 season, Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.net reports. He led Dubai Basketball to its first ABA League title, earning Finals MVP honors. He averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 20.8 minutes per game through 68 games. Kabengele appeared in 55 NBA games from 2019-23.
French guard Sylvain Francisco has signed a contract with ASVEL Villeurbanne but he has until July 30 to trigger an NBA out clause, Sportando relays. The former Zalgiris Kaunas guard had made it clear that the NBA remained his main goal. The point guard, who holds dual French and U.S. citizenships, earned All-EuroLeague First Team honors last season while averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 assists.
ASVEL, coached by former NBA star Tony Parker, is also finalizing a deal with 32-year-old Joel Bolomboy, Barkas reports. Bolomboy spent last season with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, where he averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. Bolomboy appeared in 18 NBA games from 2016-18.