Sixers Trade Jared McCain, Garner Assets for Future

Controversial move leaves team thin in backcourt for playoff push

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers have traded second-year shooting guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and three second-round picks in return. While the move strengthens the Sixers' long-term assets, it leaves the team thin in the backcourt for the remainder of the current season and the upcoming playoffs.

Why it matters

The trade of McCain, a fan favorite, has sparked strong emotional reactions from both the Sixers fanbase and the team's players. While the Sixers' front office, led by Daryl Morey, believes they received significant value in the deal, the lack of an immediate roster addition to help the team's playoff push has left many disappointed.

The details

McCain, a second-year guard out of Duke, had fallen out of favor with Sixers head coach Nick Nurse due to defensive struggles and the emergence of rookie VJ Edgecombe. Despite McCain's potential as a dynamic young shooter, the Sixers felt they could maximize his trade value and garner assets for the future. In return, they received a first-round pick in 2026 and three additional second-round picks.

  • The trade was completed on Wednesday, February 7, 2026, just prior to the NBA trade deadline.
  • The Sixers played their first game without McCain on Thursday, February 8, 2026, losing 119-115 to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The players

Jared McCain

A second-year shooting guard out of Duke University who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Daryl Morey

The president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, who orchestrated the trade of Jared McCain.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, who had reduced Jared McCain's playing time due to defensive struggles.

Tyrese Maxey

The star guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who referred to Jared McCain as his "little brother" and was emotional about the trade.

Joel Embiid

The All-NBA center for the Philadelphia 76ers, who expressed hope that the front office would make a move to add meaningful help for the team's playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“We think Jared has a tremendous future, and we think we got a great return for him. The return we got, we feel, is for a starter on a good team. It's actually above that. We feel Jared is potentially a great player. We wish him luck, and we feel that the return sets us up for success in the future.”

— Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations, Philadelphia 76ers (Philadelphia Inquirer)

“I believe in myself. I believe in Tyrese. I believe in VJ. I believe in the guys we have in our locker room. I think as long as I'm healthy, I am going to have a chance to win at a high level.”

— Joel Embiid (Philadelphia Inquirer)

What’s next

The Sixers will look to the buyout market in the coming days to try and add depth to their backcourt for the playoff push. They also have the assets from the McCain trade to potentially make another move before the deadline.

The takeaway

The Sixers' trade of Jared McCain, while potentially beneficial for their long-term future, has left the team thin in the backcourt at a critical juncture of the season. The front office's inability to add immediate help has frustrated both the fanbase and the players, who believe the team has a chance to make a deep playoff run if healthy.