Talented scorer Jared McCain lands in OKC. Can his dynamic offense overcome injury concerns and elevate the Thunder's bench?
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Oklahoma City is acquiring sophomore Jared McCain in exchange for Houston’s 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks
Philadelphia selected McCain with the 16th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, and the Duke product immediately looked like a steal. He spent his first few games acclimating to the NBA’s speed before absolutely crushing it in November of 2024. McCain averaged 19.1 points, 2.9 assists and 1.6 turnovers per game during this month while shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.7% from deep.
He unfortunately suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in his left knee during the following month, which ended his promising rookie season. To make matters worse, McCain recovered from the injury last offseason but subsequently tore his UCL in his right thumb in September. The sophomore has been working his way back to pre-injury form this season, which explains his poor stats. However, McCain is starting to find his groove and has shot 55.6% from the field over his past five games.
What can the Thunder expect from a healthy McCain? He’s a dynamic three-point shooter who can knock down triples on the move and pull up from deep. McCain excels at creating his own shots and knifing his way into the paint by dribbling past defenders. His playmaking is decent, but scoring remains McCain’s prized asset. Defensively, the sophomore is far from elite but will not be a major leak that Oklahoma City’s other defenders must plug. He should be fine in his new surroundings.
Charania also reported moments after the McCain news that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander “sustained an abdominal strain and will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break.” It will be an excellent chance for the Thunder’s new guard to show off his potential.
McCain earns $4.2M this season, $4.4M next season and has a team option for $6.7M in the 2028 season. His cheap rookie contract is crucial because Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s rookie max extensions begin this offseason.
Oklahoma City now has 16 players on the roster, so Ousmane Dieng is going to be moved by tomorrow’s deadline. The Thunder will remain below the luxury tax once Dieng is traded, which represents a big victory.
Overall, McCain is a talented scorer on a cheap long-term contract who can help the Thunder’s offense break out of slumps and cold streaks. He gives Oklahoma City’s bench a different look, and his minutes with Ajay Mitchell should be explosive. It only cost the Thunder a late first-round pick in the 2026 Draft along with three second-round picks – that’s a steal given McCain’s upside and contract.
Sam Presti deserves an A+ grade for this shocking maneuver. He continues to build his case for greatest executive of all time.