The Oklahoma City Thunder stunned fans on Wednesday afternoon, trading for Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (via Houston) and a trio of second-round picks.
The move came as a surprise primarily because of the lack of buzz or intel surrounding Oklahoma City's apparent desire for a guard. With Ajay Mitchell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out, however, McCain will see extended run to start his Thunder career.
McCain was iced out of a larger role in Philadelphia as a result of their guard depth. After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, McCain is averaging just 6.6 points, two rebounds, and 1.7 assists through 37 games this season.
If the Thunder were done there, it might be a bit of a disappointing move, especially given the price they gave up to bring McCain in.
However, NBA Insider Jake Fischer has reported that Oklahoma City is still looking to move Ousmane Dieng as well, and it could give them the opportunity to deepen their rotation even further.
There is momentum on a deal that would send Ousmane Dieng from OKC to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee, sources say. https://t.co/1tJcHFqHwZ
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 4, 2026
Ousmane Dieng will almost certainly be swapped for a center before the deadline
As the Thunder attempt to repeat as champions, it is clear their depth will be paramount. They have already struggled with extensive injuries this season, and the trade for McCain is a clear attempt to address that.
Trading Dieng is the next step.
Dieng, 22, has played in just 27 games for the Thunder this season. Since his rookie year, he has largely been cut out of the rotation. With his restricted free agency looming (and his $6.7 million salary), he has always been the Thunder's most likely in-season trade candidate.
The Thunder need an insurance policy for Isaiah Hartenstein, who has been limited to just 27 games this season. As Fischer mentioned, Mason Plumlee is a serious option, and there is momentum toward getting a swap done.
Virtually any rebounding center on an expiring contract could be an option as well.
While Dieng has not shown much sign of a ceiling in his four years in the NBA, his size and athletic ability could convince a great many teams with cap space and room in their rotation to take a swing on him.
Although the McCain move is somewhat surprising, a trade of Dieng should not be. Combined, they could grant the Thunder the depth they need to return to the summit this season.