Spanish Liga ACB team accused that rookie Aday Mara has breached his contract by joining the Oklahoma City Thunder..

The Athletic exclusively reported on Monday that Spanish Liga ACB team Basket Zaragoza, has formally accused that Spanish rookie Aday Mara has breached his contract by joining the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to the report, Mara signed with Zaragoza in 2021 and remained with the club through 2023.

Zaragoza has informed the Liga ACB that they never authorized Mara’s transfer to another team, nor did it receive any offers regarding such a move.

Under the terms of his existing contract, the player was slated to remain with Zaragoza through the 2026/27 season. The club further stated that even if an offer were to arrive from the Thunder, they would still maintain their claim that Mara is in breach of contract.

When contacted for comment, a Thunder spokesperson said: "Aday played three years of NCAA basketball; therefore, based on guidance from the NBA, he does not require permission from a Spanish club to join and participate in the NBA."

Separately, an investigation by The Athletic revealed that the dispute stems from an ongoing lawsuit filed by Zaragoza against Mara in Spain in 2023.

At that time, Mara departed Zaragoza to join UCLA. The Liga ACB club contends that Mara failed to pay a required buyout fee, constituting a breach of contract.

Despite the pending litigation, the NCAA ruled that Mara was eligible to compete just three days before the start of the 2023/24 season.

Born on April 7, 2005, in Zaragoza, Spain, the 21-year-old Mara stands 2.21 meters (7'3") tall and plays as a center.

Mara was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in this year’s NBA Draft. 

Previously, he spent two seasons at UCLA, followed by one season at the University of Michigan, where he helped the Michigan Wolverines win the 2026 NCAA championship.

After a lackluster performance in the NBA Summer League, Mara demonstrated his true potential as a rim protector and an offensive weapon during the preseason.

Over the course of five preseason games, he averaged 23.3 minutes, 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 78.8% from the field.

Image source: Internet / The Athletic