Jared McCain, the 21-year-old former Philadelphia 76ers guard, expressed shock and emotion after being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 4. The Sixth’s decision to trade him for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks took McCain by surprise while the team bus was en route to San Francisco, ahead of a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade marked a significant shift in McCain’s career, eliciting a profound response from the young player.
Surprise and Support from Teammates Amidst Trade News
McCain first learned about the trade through a call while on the bus. In his recent vlog, he revealed the moment when management informed him directly.
“We were just on the bus,”
McCain described.
“I get a call saying it might happen. And then like five minutes later [Daryl Morey] calls and says, ‘You’re cooked, Jared McCain.’ He said, ‘Bye, man. Never speak to me again.’ No, they were nice about it but, you know, it’s part of the NBA.”
Although his teammates initially doubted the news, confirmation from team management soon made it clear.
“Right when I found out, I went to the back of the bus and I told Tyrese [Maxey] and nobody, they didn’t believe me,”
McCain said.
“And then I think management called them and then we were all getting on the plane and then I’m crying at this point. And we get off the buses and everybody is giving me hugs and I’m just crying. It was like a movie scene. Everybody is getting on the plane and I’m just crying. Lot of tears today. Happy, sad, I don’t know.”
Tyrese Maxey’s Reaction and Bond with McCain
Tyrese Maxey, an All-Star point guard and close friend to McCain, initially thought the trade announcement was a joke.
“It was just like, ‘All right, whatever. He’s just joking,’”
Maxey said.
“Calls start coming in, and then you realize it’s real.”
Maxey has often referred to McCain as his “little brother,” highlighting the strong bond between the two players amid the trade upheaval.
McCain’s Rookie Success and Subsequent Injury Challenges
Jared McCain burst onto the NBA scene as a promising rookie, averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists before a torn meniscus in his left knee cut his season short. The second season proved difficult as McCain struggled to regain form while recovering from surgeries on both his knee and thumb. Over 37 games, his averages declined to 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, reflecting the physical setbacks he endured early in his career.
Positive Outlook During Transition to Oklahoma City
Despite the shock and emotional response to the trade, McCain maintained a hopeful and optimistic perspective during his introduction to the Thunder. On a private jet to Oklahoma City, he drew inspiration from rapper Drake’s lyrics.
“I’m in shock still,”
McCain admitted.
“I’m an OKC Thunder. What did Drake say? ‘It’s raining money, Oklahoma City Thunder. The most successful rapper 35 and under.’ Drake did say that. So, maybe it was destined for me. And it was in Weston Road Flows too. But, shout-out OKC, man. OKC, here we come. I’m excited, blessed, thankful. Let’s go have some fun.”
His first days with the Thunder included moments such as practicing greetings with star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, navigating the Paycom Center, and experiencing fan support during his debut game, where he scored five points, had two rebounds, and recorded one assist, receiving a standing ovation from Oklahoma City fans.
Farewell Dedication to Philadelphia and Its Fans
Before concluding his vlog, McCain left a heartfelt dedication to the Philadelphia organization and its supporters. He chose Olivia Dean’s song A Couple Minutes as a tribute to the fans and the city where he began his professional journey, signaling gratitude despite the bittersweet departure from the Sixers.
