The Orlando Magic formally signed rookie swingman Mario Hezonja on Friday.
In the NBA, signing a first-round pick is almost a formality, because first-round picks' salaries are spelled out in the collective bargaining agreement. Hezonja will earn about $3.7 million as a rookie, $3.9 million in 2016-17 and — assuming the team picks up its third- and fourth-year options — $4.1 million in 2017-18 and $5.2 million in 2018-19.
Hezonja is scheduled to return to Europe on Saturday.
Asked how eager he is for his rookie season to begin, he answered, "It's the beginning of the new journey.