76ers head coach Nick Nurse says he isn't focused on Jared McCain and is rather focused on his current roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers are still feeling the effects of the Jared McCain trade.
The Sixers dealt the second-year guard back at the NBA trade deadline, sending him to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a move that became very unpopular among 76ers fans.
Following the Sixers' 124-117 win over the Miami Heat, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse spoke about McCain and how he has looked since the deal.
"I watched him very little....I've seen him just a bit, five or 10 minutes, flipping channels, maybe," Nurse said.
He adds that he is happy to see him thriving, but he is focused on his current roster.
"Listen, he looks good... happy for him, that's all I can say," Nurse said. "I really like the kid, no question about it. We gotta take care of our own guys."
McCain emerged as a fan favorite throughout his time in Philadelphia thanks to his electric play during his injury-riddled rookie season.
His second season in Philadelphia brought more frustration. While working his way back from a torn meniscus that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season, McCain struggled to find his shot as his shooting slumped from his rookie season.
Now, in Oklahoma City, he gets to play for an organization that is looking to win another championship. He recently poured in 20 points, grabbing three rebounds on 6-for-16 shooting in the Thunder's matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
The 76ers are looking to make a push during the final weeks of the 2025-26 season. Nurse's team is currently on a three-game winning streak following their win over the Heat.
The 76ers have managed to still find ways to win games with McCain off the team; the trade may be ultimately judged years from now, but in the short term, it remains a talking point among fans and analysts. As McCain continues to perform well for OKC, the 76ers' front office can't seem to escape criticism for the move.
It's clear that Nurse is looking to move forward and silence the noise surrounding the McCain trade.
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Elijah Hamilton is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable.