OKC lands a promising young sharpshooter, Jared McCain, for a surprisingly low cost. Talent reignites as health returns, boosting championship aspirations.
Oklahoma City Thunder fans are having the time of their lives over the past couple seasons, but there was one thing they probably hoped their squad could add at the NBA trade deadline. A knockdown 3 point shooter.
OKC faithful, you got your wish.
Jared McCain is headed to Oklahoma City.
Sam Presti picked up his phone on Wednesday afternoon and traded for one of the league's most promising young sharpshooters. And the cost was shockingly low. OKC sent the Houston Rockets' 2026 1st round pick along with three 2nd round picks to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for McCain. That Rockets 1st is currently the #24 pick. Small price to pay for a 21 year old sniper with big upside.
McCain was drafted #16 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He shot out of the gates and was the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year before a meniscus tear in his left knee ended his season. Over 23 games, the former Duke Blue Devil averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. McCain shot 46% from the field, 38.3% from deep and 87.5% from the free throw line. He looked like a budding star.
Fast forward to this season. Not only was he recovering from his knee injury, but he tore the UCL in his right shooting thumb in September just before training camp. Dealing with two injuries, along with a crowded 76ers backcourt, has meant that he's had to work his way through both health and getting his rhythm back. So his numbers have not popped in his sophomore season, but he has been rounding into form over the last two weeks. McCain has shot a combined 15 of 26 from 3 over his last six games. The three games over that stretch in which he played the most minutes, McCain has scored 16, 17 and 12 points. The talent is still there and it looks like his health is coming back as well.
OKC bought low on a young sniper with huge upside. McCain is an exciting bench scorer on a bargain rookie contract. He's high character, high IQ and a perfect locker room and chemistry fit. His fun, positive personality and his TikTok clips are destined to make him a fan favorite.
The defending champs are better today than they were yesterday. And yesterday they were the best team in the NBA.