Why Thunder rookie Aday Mara doesn't need clearance from his former team

Key points

• Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara has been eligible to play for the club, the Thunder say, despite a claim from his former Spanish club. Basket Zaragoza said on Friday that Mara remains under contract for the 2026-27 season and will block any international clearance until a financial settlement is reached.
• A Thunder spokesperson said Mara played three years of NCAA college basketball, so the NBA has advised that no clearance from the Spanish team is required.
• Mara, 21, has averaged 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds during the preseason.