The Philadelphia 76ers have made a move to shed salary, trading young guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for future draft picks. The decision not only frees up cap space for the Sixers but also demonstrates their willingness to pivot and adapt to the changing NBA landscape.
McCain's swift exit from the team has sparked an emotional reaction from fans who had grown attached to him during his brief stint with the 76ers last season. However, it is clear that things have changed quickly in the NBA, and McCain struggled to find a place for himself alongside established players Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
The move was not made solely to save money, but rather to capitalize on the value of a young player with untapped potential. By sending McCain's salary back to Oklahoma City without taking on any new debt, the Sixers have secured tangible flexibility in trade talks ahead of Thursday's deadline.
This deal may be seen as a cost-cutting measure, but it also presents an opportunity for the Sixers to acquire assets that could help them improve their roster. As Adam Aaronson noted in his recent video, this move opens doors for the Sixers to explore new options and potentially find suitable replacements for McCain.
The terms of the deal, which include a 2026 first-round pick from the Thunder, two second-round picks (one in 2027 and one in 2028), and a pair of second-round picks from Milwaukee and Oklahoma City in 2028, offer the Sixers a range of possibilities. While it is too early to say what this means for their long-term plans, one thing is clear: the trade has given the team a newfound sense of financial flexibility as they navigate the remainder of the season.
McCain's swift exit from the team has sparked an emotional reaction from fans who had grown attached to him during his brief stint with the 76ers last season. However, it is clear that things have changed quickly in the NBA, and McCain struggled to find a place for himself alongside established players Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
The move was not made solely to save money, but rather to capitalize on the value of a young player with untapped potential. By sending McCain's salary back to Oklahoma City without taking on any new debt, the Sixers have secured tangible flexibility in trade talks ahead of Thursday's deadline.
This deal may be seen as a cost-cutting measure, but it also presents an opportunity for the Sixers to acquire assets that could help them improve their roster. As Adam Aaronson noted in his recent video, this move opens doors for the Sixers to explore new options and potentially find suitable replacements for McCain.
The terms of the deal, which include a 2026 first-round pick from the Thunder, two second-round picks (one in 2027 and one in 2028), and a pair of second-round picks from Milwaukee and Oklahoma City in 2028, offer the Sixers a range of possibilities. While it is too early to say what this means for their long-term plans, one thing is clear: the trade has given the team a newfound sense of financial flexibility as they navigate the remainder of the season.
i mean i get it tho, the nba is all about adaptin & pivotin nowdays and teams gotta make tough decisions to stay competitive... plus i guess its not like they're gonna sit on that extra draft pick for eternity 
. One day you're on the team, next day you're gone 
. I get it tho, teams gotta make moves to stay competitive 
. The Sixers are smart to shed salary and pick up some future picks 
. It's all about finding that sweet spot between talent and cash 
. The 76ers need to find their groove soon 
, but this trade gives 'em some wiggle room 
Teams gotta adapt or get left behind! Philly's making smart moves to save cap space 
... he was only 22 and still had time to grow into his role 
. but at the same time, the sixers need that cap space to build around maxey & edgecombe 
. it's all about adapting to the nba landscape, i guess 
. still, u gotta respect the sixers' thinking on this one 
. maybe they can use those draft picks to find someone even better than mccain 
.
. the draft picks they're getting are definitely a nice prize, but its also worth noting that mccain himself has untapped potential and could be a valuable asset down the line if the 76ers can develop him properly 
.
. Whether or not it ultimately pays off remains to be seen, but I think the Sixers are making a smart move by being proactive and exploring their options 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out!
. I mean, I get it, in the NBA, you gotta stay competitive, but can't they find ways to develop their own guys instead of shelling out big bucks for some young gun with "untapped potential"? 
It's a harsh reality, but it also forces teams to adapt and make tough decisions like this one. The Sixers aren't just cutting loose money; they're investing in their future, even if it means letting someone go. 
. I mean, let's be real, the NBA landscape is super competitive and teams gotta do what they gotta do to stay ahead 
. It's all about finding that balance between keeping your core pieces in place and making room for fresh talent 
. I mean, you never know what could've been with him under those 76ers' lights... Still, the Sixers are all about being realistic and making smart moves, so if it means they can get some extra assets to upgrade their roster, then that's what matters 
. Jared McCain was a talented kid, but he just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the team 
. gotta give props to the 76ers for thinking ahead though, this trade opens up some nice flexibility for them to make moves down the line 
i'm not mad or anything, but i kinda love watching those young guards try and find their place in the league... it's like, nba drama 101! 
anyway, i think this move is a good one for philly - they're saving some cash and getting some sweet future picks. gotta keep an eye on what they do next, maybe they'll pull off a surprise trade to get some more talent in the fold 
drawing a new picture 
to their team, instead of using up all their paint 
at once 
for the 76ers to get where they wanna go 
. One day you're part of something big, and the next, you're not. It's tough for fans to see their favorite player go, but sometimes it's necessary for growth. Remember when you had a dream job, but it didn't work out? You might've felt sad or stuck, but that's where new opportunities come in - like this trade 
he was only there for like a minute and now he's gone to okc and we're stuck with these 2 other dudes trying to make it work lol tyrese maxey is still tryin tho 