Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey openly expressed that he still misses his former teammate Jared McCain, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder before the February 5 NBA trade deadline. Speaking candidly, Maxey shared his mixed emotions about the move while maintaining a hopeful outlook.
Details of the Trade and McCain’s Role
The Sixers traded McCain to OKC in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and two second-round selections in 2028. McCain, the 22-year-old guard and 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was considered a significant part of Philadelphia‘s future plans.
McCain’s Progress with the Thunder
Since joining the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, Jared McCain has been putting up solid numbers, averaging 12.5 points and 2.9 rebounds over 11 games. His performance continues to draw attention as he adapts to his new team.
Maxey’s Perspective on Watching McCain Play
“I ain’t going to lie and say I don’t miss Jared [McCain]. But I’m happy for him,”
Maxey said, via Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.
“I’m happy for him. I watch him in OKC and hope he does well every single night, except for when he plays us.”
Implications for the 76ers’ Future
The trade reflects the 76ers’ strategic decision to acquire valuable draft picks to bolster their roster long-term. Maxey’s thoughtful reflections emphasize both his personal connection to McCain and his understanding of the team’s goals as they look ahead to future seasons. As McCain continues developing in Oklahoma City, Philadelphia aims to capitalize on the assets gained to strengthen their championship prospects.
Tyrese Maxey: “I ain’t going to lie and say I don’t miss Jared [McCain]. But I’m happy for him. I’m happy for him. I watch him in OKC and hope he does well every single night, except for when he plays us.”
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) March 4, 2026
