Aubrey McClendon's 20 percent stake in the Oklahoma City Thunder is getting closer to becoming available.

Lenders to McClendon have claimed in court that the oilman, who co-founded Chesapeake Energy Corp, left behind more debt than his assets could repay as oil prices cratered.

McClendon had used his interest in the Thunder to personally guarantee the loan from Oaktree, whom he owed $85 million. A judge overseeing McClendon's estate approved a land deal that will pay off that loan.

McClendon has other creditors and they view his stake in the Thunder as his most valuable asset.

McClendon died in a single car accident earlier this year.