Second-year guard Jared McCain expressed deep emotions this week after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The unexpected move left McCain visibly shaken, as he shared his reaction and feelings in a video posted on his official YouTube channel on Monday.
At one point in the video, McCain admitted he had been crying and described himself as being in shock over the sudden change in his career trajectory.
Reflecting on His Time in Philadelphia
McCain paid tribute to his former team and fans during the video, singing a heartfelt song about his connection to Philadelphia. At around the 8:48 mark, he expressed his loyalty and affection for the 76ers, stating with emotion:
“Sixers, I’ll always be there for you. Philly, I’ll always be there.”
This followed a recent TikTok post in which McCain also sang to honor the 76ers supporters, ending with:
“I’ll always love you, Philly.”
A Lighthearted Moment With New Teammates
Despite the emotional weight of the trade, McCain shared a humorous anecdote from Monday’s video when he was initially locked out of the Thunder’s team facility. At the 11:35 mark, he could not gain entry until reigning NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander intervened by punching in the access code to welcome him inside.
Details of the Trade Deal
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired McCain from the 76ers prior to the recent trade deadline, sending multiple draft picks in return. The package included a first-round pick in 2026, a second-round pick in 2027, and two additional second-round selections in 2028 to Philadelphia.
McCain’s Career and Performance Overview
Jared McCain, selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA draft by the 76ers and a former Duke standout, had an impressive start to his rookie year. He averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and made 2.2 three-pointers per game. However, a knee injury limited him to just 23 games during his first season.
In his second season, McCain struggled with a thumb injury that caused him to miss the start of the campaign, and he was unable to secure a steady role with Philadelphia. Over 37 games this season, his averages dipped to 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers in 16.8 minutes per outing.
Adapting to Life in Oklahoma City
Since joining the Thunder, McCain has appeared in two games, posting averages of 6.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 three-pointer made. Though still adjusting to his new environment, he now finds himself part of a team atop the NBA standings with a 41-13 record and championship aspirations following last season’s title.
McCain faces stiff competition for playing time in the Thunder’s deep backcourt. His new teammates include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Kenrich Williams, and Alex Caruso, making the squad one of the most talent-rich in the league.
What This Move Means for McCain and the Thunder
Jared McCain’s trade places him on a roster with legitimate championship prospects, offering him an opportunity to contribute to a winning culture. While emotional about leaving Philadelphia, McCain’s resilience and determination will be tested as he adapts and competes for minutes on a star-studded Thunder team. The coming months will reveal how he can carve out a role alongside established players and grow within Oklahoma City’s pursuit of continued success.
