Brooklyn Nets rumors: Mario Hezonja on free-agent radar

BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 1, 2018: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on January 1, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 24 : Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against Philadelphia 76ers during game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Mario Hezonja

With all this being said, Brooklyn seems to have a good backup plan regarding free agency. The Nets have expressed interest in Orlando Magic wing Mario Henzoja.

According to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic declined to pick up Hezonja’s fourth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent come Sunday, a rare move for a player taken fifth overall.

Orlando tried to trade the Croatian forward last season during the trade deadline.

The Magic small forward has not lived up to expectations since being drafted in 2015. He has shown he is a good shooter behind the arc and can put the ball on the floor.

His defense has been a problem in his first three seasons in the league, but he has been showing signs of rising potential.

Last season, Hezonja averaged 9.6 points per game, shooting .442/.337/.819. He played in a total of 75 games and started 30 times for Orlando.

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