Basket Zaragoza of Spain says Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara is still under contract with the team for 2026-27 and is challenging his eligibility to play in the NBA this season. The Thunder dispute the claim, pointing to guidance from the NBA.

In a statement Friday, Basket Zaragoza said Oklahoma City has not formally requested Mara's international transfer. The club said it would oppose any such request.

"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," said a Thunder spokesperson.

Basket Zaragoza said it had already told FIBA, the Spanish Basketball Federation, the NBA and the Thunder of its position after Oklahoma City drafted Mara 12th overall in June.

Mara, who is from Zaragoza, left the club for UCLA in 2023. FIBA rules do not require an international transfer for a player to compete in the NCAA. Basket Zaragoza argues that Mara's contract was never ended while he was in college.

The 7-foot-3 center spent two seasons at UCLA before transferring to Michigan. He started for last season's national championship team.

Mara, 21, averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 blocks in the preseason. He shot 78.8% from the field in 23.3 minutes per game.

Mara is expected to join a deep center group in Oklahoma City that includes starters Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, along with Jaylin Williams off the bench.