Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea Get NBA Price Tags: Here's What Their Rookie Contracts Will Look Like

The NBA Draft not only determines the sporting future of selected players—it also automatically sets their salary for their first years in the league. That's the case for Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea, the two Spanish players selected in the first round, who now know the approximate figures of their future rookie contracts.

Mara has landed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Dallas Mavericks have secured the rights to De Larrea. Two different paths, two different contexts, and one shared reality: by entering the top 30, both are protected by the salary scale reserved for first-round picks.

The center from Aragon appears destined to join the NBA immediately after completing his college career. De Larrea's situation, however, admits more nuance. His presence at Valencia Basket and the plan Dallas has for him could delay his arrival in the United States, although the figures for his first contract are already set.

The formula is well-known: two guaranteed seasons and two more subject to the team's option. If the franchise exercises those options, the player completes four years under contract. After that, barring a prior extension, he would reach restricted free agency, where his team would retain the right to match any outside offer.

Mara, a $27 Million Investment for Oklahoma City

Selected 12th overall, Aday Mara will start with a notable salary scale. If he completes the four-year term, his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder will total around $27 million.

The guaranteed portion covers the first two seasons, with approximately $11.7 million guaranteed. The rest depends on whether the franchise exercises the third and fourth-year options.

His salary breakdown:

First season: $5.7 million
Second season: $6 million
Third season: $6.3 million
Fourth season: $8.7 million

For Mara, the contract represents a strong entry into the NBA and, at the same time, a sporting opportunity with one of the organizations that has best developed young talent in recent years.

De Larrea, a Contract Set Even If His Jump Can Wait

Sergio de Larrea operates in a different scenario. The Dallas Mavericks hold his rights, but that doesn't necessarily require an immediate signing. The point guard could continue developing in Europe before crossing the Atlantic, especially if Valencia Basket maintains a relevant role for him.

When that jump happens, his rookie contract will already be defined by his draft position. If he completes the four years, the deal would reach approximately $16.3 million.

The projected breakdown would be:

First season: $3.1 million
Second season: $3.3 million
Third season: $3.5 million
Fourth season: $6.3 million

The total is lower than Mara's due to the difference in draft position, but it maintains the same contract structure: two guaranteed years, two team options, and possible restricted free agency at the end of the cycle.

Two Spanish Players With First-Round Contracts

The selection of Mara and De Larrea in the first round carries more than symbolic value. It also secures them a privileged economic position upon arrival in the NBA and confirms that franchises see in both something more than future projects.

Oklahoma City is betting on Mara's size, defensive presence, and growth potential. Dallas, for its part, reserves the rights to a point guard with court vision, talent, and a bright future ahead. Their paths may not start at the same pace, but both already have their first major step in their NBA journey mapped out.