: Trade Grades: Thunder Acquire Jared McCain From 76ers

The Sixers will receive the most favorable second-round pick in 2027 from Oklahoma City, Houston, Indiana, or Miami. They will also receive one from Milwaukee in 2028 and another from the Thunder in 2028.

Thunder Add Promising Guard Jared McCain

The Thunder had too many picks in the 2026 draft. They now add a potential ace shooter on a cost-controlled contract using the worst of their projected picks. The 21-year-old McCain was considered a bright piece of the Sixers’ future after they made him the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft. He looked like a deadeye marksman as a rookie, hitting 38.3 percent of his threes on 5.8 attempts.

McCain has averaged less than seven points in 37 games this season. He joins a Thunder team that needs shooting and secondary handling next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This move qualifies as a low-risk, high-reward swing. They still hold two better picks in the 2026 draft. They immediately upgrade their rotation with a soon-to-be 22-year-old who has two years left on his rookie contract after this season. McCain needs to get back to full health, he has struggled to get to the rim after knee surgery.

The Thunder’s only real weakness is outside shooting and  Jared McCain addresses that weakness on an affordable contract. GM Sam Presti adds another gem.

Grade: A

76ers Complete Salary Dump With Jared McCain Trade

With Philly building around Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, the team is selling low on McCain. Daryl Morey leverages his value to gain more assets for future moves. By trading McCain now, Philly reenters the 2026 draft. Oklahoma City owns their pick this year. They also recover a haul of second-round picks.

Ultimately, Philly’s bright future did not hinge on McCain this season. Edgecombe looks like a star in the making while Maxey already plays at an All-NBA level. The team can now convert productive power forward Dominick Barlow from a two-way deal to a standard contract.

Grade: B