Spanish club Basket Zaragoza threaten to block Aday Mara move to NBA: 'The player has a contract in force for the 2026-27 season'

Spanish club Casademont Basket Zaragoza has expressed its intention to oppose rookie Aday Mara's international transfer to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The club claims it holds the rights to Mara, who was drafted by the Thunder No. 12 last June, through 2027. Casademont intends to block Mara from playing in the NBA until a financial settlement is reached, according to a statement released to the Spanish newspaper Heraldo de Aragón.

The club stated that while they wish Mara well in his new sporting endeavors, they are committed to defending their rights and ensuring compliance with existing contracts. The Thunder, however, disputes this claim, noting that Mara had already played three years of college basketball in the United States before being drafted. A Thunder spokesperson informed NBC Sports that no clearance from the Spanish team was required for Mara to play in the NBA, as per NBA guidelines.

Mara played for both UCLA and Michigan, winning a national championship with Michigan. Casademont had previously contested Mara's eligibility when he joined UCLA, a dispute that ultimately did not go in their favor. It appears this situation will unfold similarly. Mara and the Thunder are set to kick off their season next Tuesday night on NBC in what seems like a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals.

The game against the Spurs tips off at 9:30 Eastern on NBC and Peacock, marking the final game of an NBC triple-header opening the season, including Boston vs. Detroit and LeBron James and the 76ers attempting to spoil the Knicks' championship celebration at 7 p.m. Eastern, all broadcast on NBC and available on Peacock.