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Jared McCain has had a tough reintroduction to the NBA after coming back from injuries. The Sixers elected to send him to the G League to work out the kinks.
Since the 2026 NBA trade deadline passed, the Philadelphia 76ers have become one of the most talked-about teams for the wrong reasons.
The Sixers were slightly active during the deadline, making two deals. One of them included a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In exchange for multiple draft picks, the Sixers offered up the former first-round pick, Jared McCain.
McCain was admittedly emotional after the deal, as he didn’t expect to leave the Sixers. However, he seems to be getting over it quickly.
The ex-Duke star is thriving in his new role with the Thunder, and he’s evidently happy. In a recent sit-down with CBS Sports, McCain discussed his new situation. In the story, it was noted that McCain’s OKC teammate Jalen Williams took a shot at the Sixers.
Jalen Williams Sends Shots At Jared McCain’s Former Team
Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder
GettyJalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder
via CBS Sports: “He’s so happy,” Williams said. Williams addressed McCain directly: “What are you so happy about?” “We won!” McCain said. … “Oh, you played in Philly, you’re not used to that s***,” Williams said.
While McCain slightly defended the Sixers, noting that they are “like sixth in the East,” it’s hard to argue against OKC about this year and the previous season.
McCain landed on the Thunder while they are ranked first in the Western Conference. Weeks later, that’s still the case.
At 49-15, the Thunder hold the NBA’s top record. They just won the NBA Finals last year. While it’s too early to call them a dynasty, it’s becoming clear that they are fighting for the right to land that title.
Since McCain is under contract for at least two more years, he’ll get a chance to be a part of OKC’s fight to become a dynasty in the NBA.
What Went Wrong With The 76ers?
daryl morey
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.
The team’s President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, praised McCain for being a good player. At the same time, he claimed that he was under the belief that he sold high on McCain, whose stock was down before the deadline.
Following a fantastic rookie season that was cut short due to an injury, McCain was having a hard time working his way back into the rotation as a cornerstone player for the Sixers.
Season two in Philadelphia was becoming a down year for McCain. He averaged 6.6 points while shooting 38% from the field.
Since landing with the Thunder, his scoring production has doubled, while his field goal percentage jumped about 10 points.
Jared McCain
GettyJared McCain during his tenure with the Sixers.
The optics are bad for the Sixers right now. Clearly, some around McCain are taking advantage of the Sixers’ shortcomings by throwing verbal digs when around the second-year sharpshooter.
The Sixers have done plenty of winning in the regular season throughout the 2020s, but since McCain arrived, they have struggled. Last year, the 76ers missed the Play-In. This year, they are sixth in the East with a 34-28 record, but one loss could have them in the Play-In picture in early March.