Basket Zaragoza are challenging the NBA eligibility of Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara, asserting that he's under contract with the Spanish club for the upcoming season, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Basket Zaragoza said they haven't received an official international transfer request from the Thunder for Mara and would formally oppose that transfer if Oklahoma City did file a request.
"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," a Thunder spokesperson said Friday.
Basket Zaragoza stated they formally communicated their stance to FIBA, the Spanish Basketball Federation, the NBA, and Thunder after Mara was taken 12th overall in this year's draft.
Mara, who hails from Zaragoza, played for his hometown club for two years before heading to UCLA in 2023.
FIBA rules don't require an official international transfer to play in the NCAA, so Basket Zaragoza contend that Mara never terminated his contract with them.
Mara spent two seasons with the Bruins before transferring to Michigan for the 2025-26 campaign. The 7-foot-3 center helped the Wolverines capture their first national championship since 1989.
He's had a strong preseason for Oklahoma City, averaging 13.4 points, 7.6 boards, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 blocks across five appearances.
