No. 5 pick Hezonja could join Magic soon
A buyout that would release No. 5 overall draft pick Mario Hezonja from his contract with FC Barcelona and would allow Hezonja to make an immediate jump to the Orlando Magic appears to be moving closer to completion.
“We’re in discussions now, and I’m hopeful that we will be able to resolve our issues in the next couple of days,” Arn Tellem, Hezonja’s agent, told the Orlando Sentinel on Sunday.
“At this point, we’ve been able to work though most of the issues,” Tellem added. “We still have a couple of issues left that we’re close to resolving, and I’m optimistic.”
Tellem would not disclose what issues have been settled and what issues remain to be settled.
Hezonja, a 6-8 Croatian swingman, combines accurate perimeter shooting with above-the-rim athleticism.
The Magic hadn’t selected an international player in the lottery portion of the draft since the franchise picked Spaniard Fran Vázquez 11th overall in 2005. Vázquez chose not to play in the NBA.
The Vázquez episode prompted concerns among some Magic fans about the team’s drafting another European.
But Hezonja, 20, is not Vázquez.
On draft night, Magic general manager Rob Hennigan said the likelihood of Hezonja’s completing a buyout with FC Barcelona was “tremendous.” Hennigan also said Hezonja likely would play in one or two of the Magic’s exhibitions in the upcoming Orlando Pro Summer League.
Tellem echoed those sentiments Sunday.
“I’m optimistic that Mario will be in Orlando at some point this week, and he’s thrilled that he was drafted by Orlando and can’t wait to get started on this next chapter in his life,” Tellem said.
DEVELOPMENT
Heat cut ties with Beasley: The Miami Heat have told forward Michael Beasley that they will not pick up his $1.3 million option for next season.
The Heat indicated that the decision to draft Duke’s Justise Winslow No. 10 overall was a major factor in the decision to part ways with Beasley.
During his third stint with the team, Beasley averaged 8.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and shot 43.4 percent in 24 games.