The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just make a move at the trade deadline - they might’ve landed a long-term gem. Jared McCain, the sophomore guard who once looked like a runaway Rookie of the Year favorite, is now suiting up in OKC blue after a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. And if early signs are any indication, Thunder GM Sam Presti may have pulled off another savvy move that’s already paying dividends.
From Philadelphia’s perspective, Sixers president Daryl Morey labeled the move a “sell-high” situation. That’s a bold stance, especially considering what McCain flashed before his midseason injury - and it’s the kind of comment that doesn’t go unnoticed by players.
McCain, never one to shy away from the spotlight, responded in a way that’s very 2026: through music. Teaming up with rapper PlaqueBoyMax, the 21-year-old dropped a bar that made his feelings pretty clear: "We better not run into Philly, cause if we do sht gon get sticky.
Can't believe they gave me up, it's cool Imma show 'em what's up!" *
Translation? McCain’s got a chip on his shoulder - and Thunder fans are loving it.
It’s not hard to see why. McCain was the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and put together a strong rookie campaign, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 46.0% from the field and 38.3% from three. That kind of production from a first-year guard isn’t just promising - it’s foundational.
But his second season hit a snag. A torn UCL in his right thumb sidelined him midway through the year, and before that, his numbers had dipped.
Through his first 31 games of the 2025-26 season, McCain was averaging just 6.1 points on 35.4% shooting. It wasn’t the same player we saw during his rookie year - at least not until the final stretch of his time in Philly.
In his last six games before the trade, McCain started to find his rhythm again. He averaged 9.2 points and 2.3 assists in just under 17 minutes a night, shooting a scorching 55.6% from the field and a red-hot 57.7% from deep. That version of McCain - efficient, confident, and impactful in limited minutes - is exactly who the Thunder were betting on when they sent out a 2026 first-rounder (via Houston) and three second-round picks to get him.
So far? That bet looks smart.
In his first four games with Oklahoma City, McCain has kept the momentum going. He’s averaging 9.3 points in just 18.5 minutes per game, shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc and ranking third on the team in plus-minus at +7.0.
That kind of efficiency in a small sample size suggests he’s fitting in quickly - not just as a scorer, but as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker who helps unlock the offense for others. Players like Isaiah Joe are already benefiting from the extra space McCain creates.
It’s still early, but the signs are promising. McCain’s confidence hasn’t wavered, his shot looks smooth, and his ability to contribute without dominating the ball fits perfectly with OKC’s system. And let’s not forget: this is a 21-year-old guard with just over a season’s worth of NBA experience, already showing signs of bouncing back from injury and playing winning basketball in a new environment.
The Thunder didn’t just pick up a young player - they added a motivated one. And in a league where talent and timing are everything, that combination could prove to be a real steal.