Magic forward Mario Hezonja has made a change to his representation, according to a report from SportsBusiness Journal. Having previously been represented by Wasserman, Hezonja has hired Creative Artists Agency to represent him going forward, per SBJ.
The fifth overall pick in 2015, Hezonja had a somewhat underwhelming rookie season, averaging just 6.1 PPG and 2.2 RPG in 79 contests for the Magic. However, he’s also only 21 years old, and will be given plenty of time to develop in Orlando.
The Magic will have to make a decision on Hezonja’s 2017/18 team option by October 31, and it’s virtually a lock that the club will exercise that $4.078MM option. Assuming Orlando also picks up the Croatian’s fourth-year option next year, Hezonja will become eligible for an extension for the first time in the summer of 2018. So barring a disappointing 2016/17 performance, or a surprising decision by the Magic, CAA likely won’t be negotiating a new contract for its new client for at least a couple more years.
Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer recently examined how the Magic might use Hezonja in his sophomore season, and how much patience the team will have with him, noting that some of Orlando’s recent veteran additions could eat into Hezonja’s minutes.