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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara is ineligible to play for the NBA franchise due to an active contract with another team, according to Spanish club Zaragoza, where the center played between 2021 and 2023.
Zaragoza stated that they have not received a buyout or transfer request, and would oppose one if submitted. The Spanish side also confirmed they have officially notified the NBA, the Spanish Basketball Federation, FIBA, and the Oklahoma City Thunder's front office about the situation.
Mara left Spain in 2023 to play college basketball in the United States for UCLA. In 2025, he transferred to Michigan, where he helped lead the team to a national championship title this past spring.
Under FIBA regulations, Mara's move to the NCAA did not require terminating his existing professional contract, which Zaragoza insists remains legally binding.
The 7-foot-3 Mara has already signed a rookie contract with Oklahoma City worth nearly $6 million per season after being selected 12th overall by the Thunder in the draft.
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