OKC Thunder call bluff on Spanish club's legal threats over Aday Mara

You gotta give Aday Mara's old Spanish club credit — they love some theatrics. Not even a full day after he finished a superb preseason, Basket Zaragoza is threatening to take legal action over the Oklahoma City Thunder and the NBA if he suits up for Opening Night in five days.

Now, how much power do they have in enforcing that? Remains to be seen, but not a lot. Mara played with Basket Zaragoza from 2021-23. Five years later, they apparently still have his playing rights. Never mind the fact that he played for UCLA and Michigan in three collegiate seasons since then.

The Spanish club has reached out to the Thunder, the NBA and FIBA over Mara's status. And from the reactions afterward, it looks like their threats have fallen on deaf ears. I guess we'll see if OKC's play to call its bluff will work out. As of now, expect the 21-year-old to play from the jump.

The Thunder released an official statement — through several NBA reporters — in response to the situation. Here's what they said about the possible legal actions over Mara: "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."

The Thunder added Mara with the No. 12 pick of the 2026 NBA draft. He enjoyed a breakout collegiate season at Michigan. Alongside Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr., the three-headed frontcourt monster helped the Wolverines win a 2026 national championship.

Do I think the Thunder will oblige the Spanish club's hilariosuly-timed request? No. Probably not. The NCAA didn't when UCLA went through the same song and dance when Mara first moved to the United States. That said, can't deny that this isn't the type of distraction you need if you're hoping to be a title contender.

It hasn't taken long for Mara to tease his NBA potential on the Thunder. He was arguably one of the biggest impact players throughout the preseason. On both ends of the floor, too. To the point that you have to wonder if the 7-foot-3 giant can help OKC as soon as the first day of the 2026-27 regular season.