Discover how two overlooked 76ers talents found their perfect shooting rhythm, igniting the Thunder's bench with remarkable three-point prowess.
Oklahoma City Thunder fans may want to all collectively sign the world's largest Valentine's Day card and send it stamped and addressed to 3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
That's the address of Xfinity Mobile Arena, home of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The OKC faithful have been clamoring for more 3 point shooting on the team. All of a sudden, the Thunder boast a sharpshooting duo of bench players. And they can thank 76ers General Manager Daryl Morey.
Both Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain were drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. Both Joe and McCain played at least parts of two season with the 76ers. Both Joe and McCain were given little time to show off their chops in Philadelphia and the front office moved on quickly. Both Joe and McCain were then acquired by Oklahoma City.
Joe was waived by the 76ers in October of 2022. Thunder General Manager pounced immediately and signed the promising 3 point sniper. Over four seasons in Oklahoma City, Joe has shot 40.9%, 41.6%, 41.2% and currently 41.4% from deep. That's remarkable consistency. The former Arkansas Razorback has played a key part in OKC's rotation and became an NBA champion in that role at just 25 years old. Joe committed to Oklahoma City long term by signing a four year, $48 million contract with the Thunder in July of 2024. He has been the Thunder's one true 3 point sniper during his tenure. Until now.
Enter Jared McCain... and the 76ers once again.
Entering the 2026 NBA trade deadline, most NBA fans and analysts expected the Thunder to trade away Ousmane Dieng to a rebuilding team. The only return expected was either an open roster spot to sign two-way player Branden Carlson to a standard contract or an unexciting role player. Instead, Presti somehow landed last season's Rookie of the Year frontrunner through 23 games before injury. McCain was exciting because of his shooting and scoring ability. He was a perfect fit with the youth and fun locker room chemistry of the squad. And he still had loads of untapped upside. So why would the 76ers possibly want to trade away such a good young player?
"I am quite confident we were selling high," Morey said of trading McCain. "Obviously, time will tell."
Not much time has gone by yet, but the tell so far is looking good for OKC. While Thunder fans may feel inspired to send those love notes to Morey and the 76ers front office, you can't blame fans in Philadelphia if they're feeling a bit broken hearted this Valentine's Day weekend.