Jared McCain traded from Sixers to Thunder, embraces new chapter

Second-year guard opens up on whirlwind trade deadline move, excitement to play with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jared McCain was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder just before the NBA trade deadline. The 23-year-old guard opened up on the emotional process of being traded, his excitement to play alongside reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and his fond farewell to the Sixers organization and fans.

Why it matters

The trade of McCain, a promising young guard, from the Sixers to the Thunder is a significant move that impacts both teams. For the Sixers, it signals a shift in their roster priorities, while for the Thunder, it adds a talented shooter and playmaker to their championship-contending squad.

The details

McCain was traded to the Thunder in exchange for Houston's 2026 first-round pick and three future second-round picks. The move came as a surprise to McCain, who was on the bus with his Sixers teammates when he received the call from the team's GM. McCain has embraced the change, noting the warm welcome from the Thunder organization and his excitement to play alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and learn from the reigning MVP. In his first four games with OKC, McCain has averaged 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 44.8% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range.

  • On Feb. 4, the day before the NBA trade deadline, Jared McCain was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • McCain joined the Thunder and played his first four games with the team before the NBA All-Star break.

The players

Jared McCain

A 23-year-old guard who was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder and will be a key mentor for McCain.

Tyrese Maxey

McCain's former teammate on the Philadelphia 76ers, with whom he developed a close friendship.

Kyle Lowry

A veteran guard who served as a mentor to McCain during his time with the 76ers.

VJ Edgecombe

A young guard who joined the 76ers this season and was part of the team's talented backcourt alongside McCain.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, pretty much everything.”

— Jared McCain, NBA Player (FanSided)

“I think it's definitely still a buildup. Like, there's still things with my knee, like just playing in back-to-backs or playing in, you know, four games in however many days. It's definitely, you can get sore and, you know, getting that strength back. It's gonna take more time.”

— Jared McCain, NBA Player (FanSided)

“I'm just really proud to be with them. Being able to be on a card is a dream come true. It's one of those things where you collect them as a kid. I used to collect them with my brother and to now see myself on it. It's one of those full circle moments that really can make your life.”

— Jared McCain, NBA Player (FanSided)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA, as a promising young player like Jared McCain can be moved unexpectedly. However, McCain's excitement to join the Thunder and learn from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suggests he is embracing the next chapter of his career with optimism.