Former first-round draft pick Jared McCain has joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade finalized one day before the NBA’s trade deadline, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. In exchange for McCain, the Philadelphia 76ers will receive a 2026 first-round pick from the Rockets along with three second-round picks. The first-round pick was part of the Thunder’s previous trade involving Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul in 2019.
Having spent two seasons with the 76ers, McCain started only one game and was hampered by injuries throughout his early career. He faced a torn meniscus that curtailed his rookie season and a torn ligament in his shooting thumb that delayed the start of his 2025-26 season.
McCain joins the Thunder, the number one team in the league with a record of 40–11 and the reigning NBA champions. This season, he has averaged 6.6 points on 38.5% shooting, along with two rebounds and 1.7 assists. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined until at least after the All-Star Break due to an abdominal strain, there are expectations for McCain to contribute meaningfully, possibly stepping into a larger role while still primarily coming off the bench.
As the Thunder maneuver to accommodate McCain’s arrival, they will need to release at least one player from their roster, suggesting further changes may be forthcoming ahead of the Thursday trade deadline. The acquisition of McCain could bolster the Thunder’s depth and add potential to an already strong lineup.