The Philadelphia 76ers are making moves-and this one’s all about the long game. They've agreed to send second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a package of draft picks, headlined by a 2026 first-rounder originally belonging to the Houston Rockets, plus three second-round selections.
Let’s unpack what this means for both sides.
Philly’s Perspective: Stockpiling for the Future
For the Sixers, this deal is less about the player they're giving up and more about the flexibility they’re gaining. McCain, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Duke, showed flashes of scoring potential during his brief time in Philly. But injuries have slowed his development-first a knee issue in his rookie year, and now a hand injury that’s limited his impact this season.
Through 37 games this year, McCain is averaging 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He’s still on his rookie deal, making $4.2 million this season, but with a crowded backcourt and the Sixers in win-now mode, the front office clearly felt it was time to pivot.
In return, Philly adds a valuable 2026 first-round pick-courtesy of Houston-and three second-rounders: one in 2027 (the most favorable of OKC, Houston, Indiana, or Miami), and two in 2028 (Milwaukee’s and OKC’s own). That’s the kind of draft capital that gives a team options: whether to use those picks to draft young talent or package them in a bigger deal down the line.
OKC’s Angle: Depth and Upside
For the Thunder, this move is classic Sam Presti-buy low on a young player with upside and see if the environment in Oklahoma City can unlock his potential. McCain may not have found his rhythm in Philly, but the talent is there. He averaged 15.3 points per game as a rookie despite limited action, and he came into the league known for his shot-making and confidence.
And let’s not overlook the timing. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined until after the All-Star break due to an abdominal strain, OKC is looking to patch together some backcourt depth. They’re already sitting atop the NBA with a 40-11 record, and while they don’t need McCain to be a savior, they do need bodies who can contribute right away-and possibly grow into more.
In a low-risk, high-upside move, the Thunder are betting on their player development system to do what it’s done time and again: turn young talent into rotation-ready contributors.
Big Picture
This trade is a reflection of where both franchises are in their respective arcs.
Philadelphia is trying to maximize Joel Embiid’s prime while keeping one eye on the future. By flipping a young player who wasn’t cracking the rotation for a handful of picks, they’re adding assets that could be crucial at the trade deadline or in offseason maneuvering.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is already loaded with talent and draft capital, so they can afford to take a swing on a former first-rounder like McCain. If he hits, great. If not, it cost them picks they were never going to use all at once anyway.
Bottom line: this is a smart, strategic move for both sides, each playing to their strengths. Philly gets flexibility.
OKC gets another intriguing young guard to mold. And as the second half of the season approaches, both teams are positioning themselves for what comes next-whether that’s a playoff push or a bigger move down the line.