Contrary to expectations, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a splash move on Wednesday, acquiring second-year guard Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (via HOU) and three second-round picks.
Although the team was rumored to be searching for center depth, they ultimately pulled the trigger on a high-upside swing for a young guard who had maxed out his time with his previous organization.
The move, in and of itself, is not necessarily a blockbuster deal. McCain has played in just 60 games in his NBA career. His production has been limited this season as he's worked his way back from injury.
But Presti paid a relatively high price for him. This is the first player he's exchanged a first-round pick for since 2015, when Oklahoma City acquired Dion Waiters in a six-team deal.
Jared McCain is the first player that Sam Presti has traded a first round pick FOR since 2015
— Gur Singh (@HoopFocusX) February 4, 2026
He’s acquired picks, he has attached picks to get off a contract (Carmelo) but this is his first true investment in over a decade.
The Thunder are notorious for hanging onto their draft capital, and one would expect Presti to part with it only for good reason. He has taken a leap of faith here by trading for McCain, and Oklahoma City must hope it pays off rather quickly.
Sam Presti obviously sees the upside in a swing on McCain
On the surface, the deal for McCain is an odd one. Although he looked like the Rookie of the Year favorite through his first 23 games in the league, a knee injury cut his rookie season short. Since his return, he has been buried under Philadelphia's deep guard rotation.
He's averaging just 6.6 points, two rebounds, and 1.7 assists on a diet of 16.8 minutes per game this season.
For the 76ers, there's little downside here. Trading McCain grants them flexibility to resign Quentin Grimes this offseason and to play VJ Edgecombe as extensively as they wish in the meantime.
For Oklahoma City, the deal represents a gamble on McCain's ability to return to his rookie form. At times, the Thunder's offense can get stuck in the mud if its primary ball-handlers are slowed by opposing defenses. McCain has flashed creative playmaking and scoring abilities in his young career, and he could be a strong addition to Oklahoma City's rotation if given the opportunity.
Frankly, the draft capital they parted with is insignificant. Houston's first-round pick will almost certainly fall in the high 20s. The Thunder have amassed so much draft capital that three second-round picks is a low cost to pay for a player who can make an immediate impact.
Yet it's significant that Presti was willing to pay that price for McCain. It's indicative of the faith they have in the young guard's ability to make a difference this season.