After being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder just before the trade deadline, Jared McCain made a pointed remark about his former team during a livestream with popular streamer PlaqueBoyMax. The exchange took place on Friday, putting a spotlight on McCain’s reaction to the move and the franchise’s decision.
During the stream, Maxwell Elliot Dent, better known as PlaqueBoyMax and also a record producer, played unreleased music while McCain responded physically to the beat. One lyric that caught attention was a line referencing the 76ers:
“We better not run into Philly, cause if we do s**t gon get sticky,”
McCain raised his hands in acknowledgment to this lyric as the music played, underscoring his response to the situation after the trade.
Details of the Trade and 76ers’ Strategy
The Philadelphia 76ers exchanged McCain for future draft capital, receiving a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and two second-round picks in 2028 from the Thunder. The young guard had appeared in 37 games with Philadelphia, averaging 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game with a shooting percentage of 38.5%.
Having played four games so far for Oklahoma City, McCain’s performance has improved somewhat, averaging 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds on 44.8% shooting.
At a press conference on February 5, 76ers President Daryl Morey expressed confidence that the organization obtained good value from the transaction.
“I’m quite confident we were selling high on Jared McCain,” Morey said.
Reasons Behind Trading Jared McCain
While McCain was viewed as a promising second-year guard with potential to develop into a key player for the 76ers, management chose to leverage his value in favor of acquiring draft assets. This move aligns with Philadelphia’s aim to maintain flexibility and plan for the future roster construction or trade opportunities.
“For Oklahoma City, they get much-needed scoring and depth from a young guard. For Philadelphia, it is a clear sign that the franchise is prioritizing flexibility and future value, even if it means moving on from a beloved player many believed could be a long-term cornerstone,”
Ryan Legg of “The Triangle” commented on the trade, highlighting how it benefits both sides strategically.
The Thunder, possessing the youngest roster in the NBA, gained a guard whose age and playing style match the team’s dynamics, potentially easing the integration process and boosting their backcourt depth.
Impact of the Trade on Both Teams’ Outlooks
This transaction signals the 76ers’ continued focus on maneuvering around star Joel Embiid to build a competitive roster with flexibility, while the Thunder look to strengthen their young core with increased scoring options. For McCain, shifting to Oklahoma City provides an expanded role and fresh opportunities with a team investing in youth development.
As the NBA season progresses, both franchises appear positioned to pursue divergent strategies—Philadelphia aiming at long-term asset accumulation and Oklahoma City focusing on immediate growth with a youthful squad.
“We better not run into Philly, cause if we do s**t gon get sticky.”
— Jared McCain 👀
(h/t @WhistleSports, @BrickCenter_)pic.twitter.com/KWHpeK9Gv5
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 14, 2026
