Aday Mara. Image via: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The 7-foot-3 center is expected to play when the season opens Tuesday in San Antonio. The club’s statement put it plainly: “The player has a contract in force for the 2026-27 season with Basket Zaragoza. Its argument is that Aday Mara’s 2023 move to UCLA did not cancel the deal, since FIBA does not require an international transfer for players going to the NCAA. The Spanish side is reported to want a fee near $700,000, and Oklahoma City shows no interest in paying. When Mara agreed to play for UCLA in 2023, the club challenged the eligibility case, saying a contract was still active. 12 pick is expected to suit up in San Antonio on Tuesday after a preseason that drew plenty of attention. Mara averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 blocks over five games and made 26 of 33 shots. Oklahoma City lost guard Otega Oweh to a ruptured right Achilles tendon this week, and the 263-pound center could see major minutes. The rookie deal pays about $5.8 million this season, with team options on the final two years. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Aday Mara has played five preseason games for the Oklahoma City Thunder, yet Basket Zaragoza says his contract with the Spanish club is still alive. The team said Friday it will oppose any international transfer request and is ready to go to court. Oklahoma City replied within hours, saying the NBA already told it no clearance is needed. Basket Zaragoza says its claim rests on a contract it says never ended. The club says it shared its stance with the Spanish federation, FIBA, the NBA and the Thunder after the draft. If one arrives, the club says it will oppose it and go to court if needed. After three seasons in the NCAA, a team spokesperson said, “no clearance from the Spanish team is required,” as the NBA advised. Some fans have started calling the rookie the “Wemby stopper,” a nod to Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. Both the NBA and FIBA have been told about the dispute.
The dispute has reached FIBA, the Spanish federation, and the league office. The Thunder appear set against paying any fee. Zaragoza has not received any transfer request so far. The Thunder point to the college years. Zaragoza has tried this before. It did not get the outcome it wanted. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines All signs point to yes. The No. Still, the Thunder are treating Tuesday as routine. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.