Basket Zaragoza are threatening over Aday Mara’s move to the Oklahoma City Thunder, claiming they retain the Spanish centre’s playing rights and seeking a financial settlement.
However, the Thunder insist the 21-year-old does not need clearance from his former Spanish club after spending three years playing college basketball in the United States.
Mara was selected 12th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after playing for UCLA and Michigan, where he won a national championship.
Basket Zaragoza claims Aday Mara remains under contract through 2027
Basket Zaragoza maintains that Mara remains under contract through the 2026-27 season despite leaving the club in 2023. According to reports, the Spanish side is seeking a transfer fee of approximately $700,000.
The dispute has emerged just days before the NBA regular season begins, putting the spotlight on Mara’s eligibility to play for the defending champions.
The Thunder have made their position clear, with spokesperson Tim MacMahon sharing the organisation’s response to the claims.
“Aday last played three years of NCAA college basketball and therefore, as advised by the NBA, no clearance from the Spanish team is required for him to play in the NBA.”
Mara developed through Zaragoza’s youth system and made his first-team debut in 2021 at just 16 years old. The club previously challenged his eligibility when he moved to UCLA, arguing that he remained under contract.
That earlier dispute did not prevent Mara from playing college basketball, and Oklahoma City are now taking a similar stance over his NBA career.
The NBA and FIBA have reportedly been informed of the dispute, although no formal ruling on Mara’s eligibility has been reported.
With the Thunder unwilling to pay the requested fee, the disagreement remains unresolved.
Mara’s NBA debut is approaching, and the key question is whether Zaragoza can take any action that affects his availability for Oklahoma City.
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