Aday Mara’s time in college might be wrapping up. While he still has eligibility for more time in the NCAA, he has reached a window where his first big season could be all it takes to join the professional league.
However, that year might also have already passed with Mara on the heels of a double-digit points-per-game season. According to ESPN via Jonathan Ginovoy on X on Wednesday, his status for the NBA draft is “TBD.”
“NEWS: UCLA’s Aday Mara will enter the transfer portal, a source told ESPN. The 7-foot-3, 19-year old Spanish center had a breakout sophomore season and will be one of the most coveted big men in the portal. TBD on testing NBA draft waters.”
However, if he decided to move on from college basketball, he could get some looks from professional teams. Here’s a look at the ones that make the most sense.
NBA Teams That Could Target Aday Mara
#5 – Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a franchise in desperate need of a deep playoff run and are in line for another top pick in the NBA Draft. The team’s offense ranks near the bottom of the league, so adding another young player underneath the rim makes sense.
#4 – Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have had just one playoff appearance since the 2006-07 season and will need some easy baskets to help get the franchise back on track. Going with Mara could help set a foundation to help the offense.
#3 – Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have yet to crack 20 wins this season and clearly need an infusion of youth. Aday Mara could be that infusion to help the team succeed with the unit trailing most of the league in points scored per game. Mara’s impressive defense could help the team as well coming off a year in which he led the Big Ten in blocks per game.
#2 – Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are sliding under Doc Rivers, and he needs someone he can trust. Aday Mara could help bring in the next generation of talent for the coach, assuming he survives into next season. Either way, Kyle Kuzma could use someone to help underneath the basket when he’s at the arc.
#1 – Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers’ run appears to be in deep trouble after getting to the finals in the 2024-25 season. With the team and the offense in a tail-spin, a strong defender like Aday Mara could help bring the bar for the offense down with fewer points scored by opponents in the 2026-27 season.
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