The Philadelphia 76ers might have thought they were making a savvy move by trading Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a first-round and three second-round picks. McCain's performance in Philly was underwhelming, so the trade made sense on paper. But the Thunder clearly saw what others missed, pulling off a masterstroke by adding an elite sharpshooter to their roster-a move the LA Clippers might now regret not pursuing.
Imagine Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' decision-maker, contemplating what could have been. Trading some of LA’s seasoned veterans and perhaps a few young talents for McCain might have seemed steep, but the potential payoff was immense. McCain, a former lottery pick, simply needed a fresh start, and the Thunder capitalized on that opportunity.
Jared McCain, at just 22, is far from a player in decline. Contrary to what the 76ers' decision suggested, he is a dynamic talent on both ends of the court, with a personality that’s infectious.
In Oklahoma City, McCain has been averaging 11.4 points and 2.3 rebounds, shooting an impressive 46.4% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range in just under 19 minutes per game. These numbers are not just good; they’re game-changing, contributing directly to the Thunder's success.
Recently, McCain delivered one of his standout performances, scoring 15 points and hitting five three-pointers in just 17 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His effortless shooting and seamless integration with his teammates were on full display, showcasing the kind of chemistry every team dreams of.
Now, picture the Clippers making the same savvy move the Thunder did. McCain’s addition could have transformed LA’s bench into the best in the NBA, pairing him with scorers like Bennedict Mathurin and Jordan Miller. In the playoffs, Tyronn Lue would have had the luxury of unleashing McCain alongside Kawhi Leonard, while also developing a core with Darius Garland.
Ultimately, the Clippers missed a golden opportunity at the trade deadline, a chance the Thunder seized without hesitation. McCain is not only exceptionally young but also on one of the most favorable contracts in the league-an enticing combination that doesn’t come around often.