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Why The Jared McCain Trade to OKC Makes Sense

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Demilade Adelekun | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 4:53 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 Rockets first-round pick and three second-round picks. This was a move few saw coming in a drama-packed trade deadline. The 2024 16th overall pick started his rookie campaign on fire. He averaged 15.3 points on 46% shooting. McCain emerged as a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award until a knee injury ended his campaign short. After returning from injury, his 2025-2026 season has been up and down. The rise of Tyrese Maxey and rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has left McCain with less playing opportunity, and he has seen a drop from his hot start. With the offensive dips OKC can go through and the looming salary cap issues they need to address, bringing Jared McCain to the mix makes sense.

Why The Jared McCain Trade To OKC Makes Sense

What McCain brings To the Thunder

Jared McCain’s game is built around his jump shooting ability and fundamentals. He plays well off the ball due to defenders having to respect him from beyond the arc. Though his 2025-2026 year hasn’t been the best, he is still shooting 37.8% from three. That is his calling card to any team. McCain, however, is not just a catch-and-shoot guy. He can drive closeouts, create in pick and rolls, and play out of off-ball screens. He has shown flashes in his young career of the offensive threat he can be.

Secondary scoring is definitely at a premium in OKC. Teams are constantly forcing the ball out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s hand and living with the results. Having another scoring guard who can capitalize on open looks and create his own shot directly fixes any issues looming over the OKC offense. McCain, however, will have a lot of competition with Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, and Cason Wallace for consistent minutes. His addition will bolster OKC’s guard rotation immediately.

Cap benefits

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The true value in trading for McCain comes in how it helps OKC’s long-term budget. McCain is still on his rookie contract, good for four years and $19,448,588. With more than $800 million tied to SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren contract extensions, finding budget-friendly players is key to OKC’s long-term success. A player with McCain’s upside, even if he does not contribute right away, fits into OKC’s long-term timeline. It is a bit of a risk, especially for four picks, but this can turn into one of the best contracts in the NBA.

Trade Grade

The Thunder are getting a young, high-upside guard who directly addresses a lot of their offensive concerns. McCain, however, has not been overly productive in his current role at Philadelphia. Giving up four draft picks seems a bit excessive. With this in mind, a B grade seems fair. McCain has all the tools to be a key role player on a winning team for a long time. Along with this, his rookie contract helps give the OKC front office more wiggle room in extending key players, being aggressive in free agency, or trade talks in the future.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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