By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A contract dispute with Casademont Zaragoza threatens to stall the NBA debut of Spanish center Aday Mara with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As the local newspaper Heraldo de Aragon reported first his former team claims to hold his playing rights and plans to block any international clearance until a financial settlement regarding his departure is reached. This case had initially progressed to litigation and remains without a legal resolution.
Therefore, the club has reportedly warned the NBA, the Thunder, FIBA, and the Spanish Basketball Federation that the 7-foot-3 big needs a formal Letter of Clearance to be eligible to play in the 2026–27 Regular Season. However, the report cites other sources indicating that this would not delay his NBA debut. The report was confirmed by an official press release by the Spanish club.
The standoff dates back to 2023. At age 18, Mara unilaterally ended his deal with Zaragoza to move to the United States. The club claims his contract ran through 2027.
Mara then split his college career between UCLA and Michigan, winning a national title with the Wolverines last season. Because the NCAA operates outside the FIBA ecosystem, the LOC is not required for student-athletes.
The Zaragoza native faced no hurdles during the 2026 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, where Oklahoma City selected him 12th overall in June.
He followed with solid showings in the Preseason 2026, tallying 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. Up next, the Thunder open the 2026–27 Regular Season on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center.
Oklahoma believes that Mara does not need clearance
Oklahoma City Thunder also commented on the matter, specifically their spokesperson, who pointed out that Mara does not need to obtain clearance from his former club in order to play in the NBA.
“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.”
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