Oklahoma City Thunder's New Spark: Jared McCain's Impact
In an unexpected twist, second-year guard Jared McCain found himself celebrating his 22nd birthday in Oklahoma City rather than Philadelphia. The trade from the 76ers, orchestrated by Daryl Morey, came as a shock to McCain, but his performance since joining the Thunder has been anything but surprising. With the team battling a slew of injuries, McCain has emerged as a consistent force off the bench for coach Mark Daigneault.
Over the last four games, McCain has been lighting it up, averaging 14.0 points on an impressive 50% shooting, including a stellar 50% from beyond the arc on 9-of-18 attempts. His energy was on full display when he dropped a season-high 21 points in a commanding win against the Brooklyn Nets. He followed that up with a solid 10-point performance, adding a couple of threes, three rebounds, and a steal in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Alex Caruso sidelined, the Thunder have had to dig deep. Isaiah Joe stepped up into the starting lineup, while McCain and Jaylin Williams combined for 20 points to power the bench. Against a formidable Cavs squad featuring Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden, Joe’s 22 points, including six threes and a career-high five steals, were pivotal in securing the win.
After the game, Joe highlighted McCain's influence on the Thunder's evolving offense. “It puts the defense in a dilemma to help or not, and it kind of creates driving lanes,” Joe explained.
"I'm quite confident we were selling high" 😐
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 6, 2026
Daryl Morey explains why the Sixers pulled the trigger on trading the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jared McCain. pic.twitter.com/DM6qJyzmPk
“Even when they went box-and-1, we were still getting really good looks. Having that gravity out there creates opportunities for everyone.”
Joe’s been on fire himself, shooting 50.8% from deep in February, including a remarkable 18-of-31 in the last four games. The Thunder have managed to win four of their last five without some of their top scorers, while the 76ers have struggled, going 1-4.
Daryl Morey, the 76ers' president of basketball operations, was confident in trading McCain for a 2026 first-round pick and two future second-round picks. Despite some fans feeling it was premature to part with McCain, Morey saw it differently.
“I'm quite confident we were selling high,” Morey stated. “We thought this return was above the future value for our franchise.”
McCain, caught off guard by the trade, shared how he learned of the move. “We were all on the bus to the airport, and I just got a call. I had no feeling it was going to happen,” he recalled, describing the emotional moment with teammate Tyrese Maxey.
Despite the abrupt change, McCain remains unfazed. “I allow myself to feel all the emotions.
It's natural. But you move quick,” he reflected.
“It's a balance you've got to work through.”
Next up, the Thunder will take on the Raptors, as McCain continues to prove his worth in Oklahoma City.