2018 NBA Free Agency: Mario Hezonja agrees to deal with Knicks, per reports

After three underwhelming years with the Orlando Magic, Mario Hezonja is on his way out of town.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 6-foot-8 forward has agreed to terms with the New York Knicks on a one-year deal. The deal is reportedly worth $6.5 million, a little over a million more than the Magic could’ve offered the forward.

After the Magic declined his fourth-year option last fall, the writing was on the wall for Hezonja’s time in Orlando. After two disappointing years to start his career, Hezonja began finding his footing last season thanks to injuries to the likes of Jonathan Isaac, Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier and Terrance Ross.

With Gordon, Isaac, Fournier and Ross, along with Jonathon Simmons, Wes Iwundu and second-round pick Melvin Frazier on the roster, it would’ve been hard for Hezonja to find playing time this coming season. Playing time was one thing that Heoznja said would factor into his decision in free agency. The Croatian forward had said he wanted to play for the organization that drafted him his entire career, but there just isn’t a place on the roster for him.

Wojnarowski also reported that the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings showed interest in the former Magic man before he ultimately agreed to terms with the Knicks.

The Magic will now open up some potential wiggle room with his cap hold coming off the books.