NBA Contract Dispute: Spanish Club Threatens to Block Oklahoma City's Young Star
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The dispute surrounding Aday Mara could escalate into a major legal battle between Basket Zaragoza and the Oklahoma City Thunder, just days before the start of the new NBA season.
The Spanish club claims that the 7-foot-3 center, selected by Oklahoma City with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is still under a valid contract with Zaragoza for the 2026–27 season. As a result, they have announced they will oppose his international clearance if a transfer request is submitted.
Zaragoza insists it communicated its stance immediately after the draft to the Spanish Basketball Federation, FIBA, the NBA, and Oklahoma City directly. The root of the dispute dates back to 2023, when Mara departed Spain to play in the NCAA. Zaragoza maintains that his move to college basketball did not terminate his existing professional contract.
"The player has a valid contract with Basket Zaragoza for the 2026–27 season. The fact that FIBA does not require a letter of clearance for players moving to the NCAA does not mean his departure terminated the contract or removed him from the FIBA system." — Basket Zaragoza
NBA
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