The Philadelphia 76ers made a massive roster shakeup, sending off their star young guard in exchange for a haul of draft picks from the OKC Thunder.
The Philadelphia 76ers made a blockbuster trade that wasn’t on many radars on Wednesday afternoon, shipping off a sensational young talent in exchange for building towards the future in draft capital. The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired star guard Jared McCain in a trade with the 76ers in exchange for a Houston Rockets 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks. One of the second rounders is for 2027 of the most favorable pick between OKC, Rockets, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat, and two are for 2028, according to ESPN.
It’s a huge acquisition for the Thunder, as McCain immediately looked like a major asset for the 76ers after they selected him No. 16 overall in the 2024 NBA draft. McCain averaged 15.3 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 46 percent as a rookie, but unfortunately only got to show glimpses of his potential before he suffered a season-ending meniscus tear in his left knee. He’s started to find his way back to pre-injury form, and that’s what OKC is betting on.
Here is the full story from Thunder Roundtable writer Braxton Reynolds grading the major trade that elevates their roster.
McCain will now look to join a backcourt that’s led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lugentz Dort, and Cason Wallace among others. It’s not so much his drop off in play that caused Philadelphia to make a move, but it puts them under the cap to skirt the luxury tax. Unloading McCain’s $4.2 million salary puts them under that threshold. But it also signifies that the 76ers have confidence in guard Quentin Grimes to have his own bounce back.
Here is the full story from 76ers Roundtable writer Anthony Pasciolla on the major, unexpected trade and what the future now looks like for Philly.
Philadelphia had the talent to part with, and they had to make a financially savvy move. They did right by McCain by sending him to potentially make a run for a championship.