Spanish Club Basket Zaragoza Challenges NBA Eligibility of Thunder Rookie Aday Mara

Basket Zaragoza claims No. 12 pick Aday Mara is still under contract for the 2026-27 season, a contention the Oklahoma City Thunder disputes.

Spanish club Basket Zaragoza is formally challenging the NBA eligibility of Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara, claiming the 21-year-old center remains under contract with the team for the 2026-27 season. The Thunder selected the 7-foot-3 native of Zaragoza with the No. 12 pick in the June draft following his three-year collegiate career. During the recent preseason, Mara averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 78.8% from the floor in 23.3 minutes per game.

According to a statement released Friday, Basket Zaragoza has not received an official international transfer request from the Thunder and intends to oppose any such filing. The club communicated its position to FIBA, the NBA, and the Spanish Basketball Federation. While Mara left the Spanish team in 2023 to play for UCLA and later Michigan, Zaragoza contends his original contract was never terminated. FIBA regulations do not require official transfers for athletes participating in the NCAA.

The Oklahoma City Thunder disputes the claim, stating that the NBA advised them no clearance is required from the Spanish team because Mara played three years of college basketball. Mara started for Michigan’s national championship team last season before entering the draft. He is currently expected to join a frontcourt rotation that includes Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and Jaylin Williams.