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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best team in the NBA all season long. After winning the title in seven games over the Pacers a year ago, they have been seen as the best chance to repeat as champions since the Warriors did it a decade ago.
This season, the Thunder have the best record in the league. Right now, they have the best defense in the league. Not only that, but they have the fourth-best offense. Oklahoma City still isn’t afraid to add talent to the team just before the trade deadline.
The Thunder have decided to make a move for a shooter to help them further solidify their offense by trading for Jared McCain.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain dribbles the ball. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Thunder Trade for Jared McCain
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Thunder have traded a 2026 first-round pick from the Rockets and three second-round picks to the 76ers for Jared McCain. McCain was hurt in the second half of last season, and that hurt his spot in the rotation.
McCain has turned into a bench player with the emergence of V.J. Edgecombe. Now, he gets a chance to win a title with Oklahoma City. He will be a shooter that they can use off the bench, although he will be further down the totem pole than he was in Philly.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now has an injury that will keep him out until after the All-Star break, so perhaps this trade is a hedge on that injury. He has an abdominal injury, which is something hard to come back from. McCain can fit in while he is injured.
Oklahoma City has a six-game lead on the Spurs for the top seed in the West. Adding a player like McCain gives the deepest team in the league even more depth.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dribbles the ball. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The Thunder Are Likely Finished Making Trades
Oklahoma City had the assets to make a massive trade. If they wanted to, they could trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. This trade signals that they believe they can win the title without making a massive move to shake up the roster.
It seems likely that the Thunder are finished making trades after bringing in McCain. Having a top-five offense and defense is a great way to head into the playoffs. OKC has to keep those numbers going, and they believe McCain gives them the best chance to do that.
McCain shoots over 37 percent from beyond the 3-point arc this season. That gives OKC a knockdown shooter, especially since he is going to be getting a lot of open shots on a loaded Thunder team. Defensively, he’s not a bad perimeter defender, either.
Oklahoma City is still the favorite to win the championship. This trade only fortifies their position as the favorite even further. McCain is a really good player who now has a tougher path to consistent playing time. That’s a luxury for the Thunder.