Spanish team Basket Zaragoza officially states it will oppose Aday Mara's international transfer to the Thunder, arguing the No. 12 pick remains under contract through 2026-27 despite already signing with Oklahoma City and impressing in preseason.
Basket Zaragoza have publicly challenged Aday Mara's move to the Oklahoma City Thunder, insisting that the rookie center remains under contract with the Spanish club for the 2026-27 season.
In an official statement, Zaragoza said it has not yet received a request for Mara's international transfer but warned that it will formally oppose one if such a request arrives.
"The player has a contract in force for the 2026-27 season with Basket Zaragoza," the team said.
The club also said its position was already communicated after the 2026 NBA Draft to the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), FIBA, the NBA, and the Thunder.
Zaragoza argues that Mara's move to college basketball in 2023 did not terminate his existing contract, pointing out that FIBA does not require an international transfer for players moving to the NCAA.
"This does not mean that his departure terminated his contract or that he was excluded from the FIBA system," the club stated.
Zaragoza added that it intends to protect its contractual rights and is prepared to take "all necessary legal action."
Aday Mara already impressing with Thunder
Mara is currently preparing for his rookie NBA season after Oklahoma City selected him with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The 7-foot-3 (2.21 m) center is set to earn approximately $5.8 million in 2026-27, with his contract potentially running through 2029-30 if Oklahoma City exercises its team options for the final two seasons.
Mara has already made a strong impression during the preseason. Over his first five appearances, he has averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 blocks, while shooting 26-for-33 from the field.
Mara's path from Zaragoza to NBA
Mara developed in Zaragoza's youth system before breaking into the club's senior team.
During the 2022-23 ACB League season, he appeared in 22 games, averaging 5.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 11.8 minutes.
He left Spain for UCLA in 2023 and spent two seasons with the Bruins before transferring to Michigan.
Mara's final college season boosted his NBA stock. He posted 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
He also helped Michigan win the 2026 NCAA championship and set a school single-season record with 103 blocks.
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