McCain trade sparks fallout
The Philadelphia 76ers traded guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder before the deadline — and McCain’s first game back vs. Philly saw OKC dominate, increasing scrutiny on Sixers exec Daryl Morey for keeping future picks instead of landing a win‑now piece ( ).
The Sixers sent Jared McCain to the Thunder at the Feb. 4–5, 2026 deadline in exchange for a 2026 first‑round pick (via Houston) and three future second‑round picks (one 2027 most‑favorable among OKC/HOU/IND/MIA and two 2028 seconds), per the teams’ announcement. (nba.com) In McCain’s March 23, 2026 return to Philadelphia he scored 13 points, hit a pair of first‑quarter 3‑pointers and drew loud cheers as OKC opened a 35‑25 first quarter on the way to a 123‑103 win. (espn.com) The victory extended Oklahoma City’s streak to 12 straight games and improved the Thunder to 57‑15 on the season, with Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander scoring 22 and Jalen Williams adding 18 in his return to the lineup. (espn.com) Philadelphia has gone 10‑12 since the McCain deal and entered Monday’s game 39‑33 overall, with Joel Embiid out with a right oblique strain, Tyrese Maxey sidelined by a right finger tendon strain and Paul George still serving a 25‑game suspension. (espn.com) Daryl Morey has defended the move, saying the Sixers “were trying to reuse those draft picks to add now” and that the club felt it “sold high” on McCain, comments he made at the post‑deadline press conference. (sportingnews.com) Local and national coverage has amplified fan and media backlash — headlines and analysis from outlets including The New York Times’ Athletic section and Sixers‑focused sites argue McCain’s early success in OKC heightens scrutiny of Morey’s deadline strategy. (nytimes.com) McCain was the No. 16 pick in 2024, averaged 15.3 points before a rookie‑season knee injury, set an NBA rookie record with eight consecutive games of three or more 3‑pointers last November, and remains under contract through the 2026‑27 season. (nba.com)
