Thunder give great Aday Mara news after contract dispute flare-up

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced that rookie center Aday Mara does not require clearance from Spanish club Basket Zaragoza to play in the NBA. Basket Zaragoza challenged Mara's eligibility, claiming he remains under contract for the 2026-27 season. However, a Thunder spokesperson confirmed via The Athletic that the NBA advised no clearance is needed because Mara played three years of NCAA college basketball.

Oklahoma City drafted Mara with the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after his collegiate career at Michigan. Writer Jack Simone notes that the resolution is a positive development for the Thunder, as Mara has impressed during preseason action and is expected to compete for minutes in Oklahoma City's center rotation.