Why Thunder rookie Aday Mara doesn't need clearance from his former team image
The Thunder look to have found a gem in Michigan big Aday Mara. Oklahoma City selected the 7-3, 262-pound talent with the No. 12 pick in this year's draft.
While he has yet to see the floor as a fully-fledged professional, Mara's preseason exploits have impressed. He produced a 17-point, 10-rebound, six-assist, four-block outing against the Hawks, one of four preseason games in which Mara breached double-digit scoring.
There is a concern that Mara, a Spanish international, could be unable to take part in Thunder games going forward. Here's a look at Mara's feud with his boyhood club, as well as what could it mean for his NBA prospects for the upcoming season.
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Why Aday Mara doesn't need clearance from former team
Basket Zaragoza, the Spanish club that Mara played for starting his college basketball career, released a statement on Friday claiming that Mara remains under contract for the 2026-27 season.
Local newspaper Heraldo de Aragon reported that Zaragoza is alleging that it has retained Mara's rights for the upcoming season and will block any of his efforts to obtain an international clearance until a financial settlement is reached to secure his transfer.
Casedemont Zaragoza released a statement on Friday confirming its intent to block any transfer for Mara. FIBA doesn't require players to transfer to join college teams in the United States. It does require transfers is players are attempting to play in other professional leagues.
A Thunder spokesperson responded to Basket Zaragoza's claims on Friday, saying that Mara remains eligible to suit up for Oklahoma City in 2026-27.
"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," the spokesperson said.
Mara, 21, has been one of the top performers during the preseason, averaging 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 blocks. He is expected to play a major role coming off the bench in his maiden season.