Sixers Smart to Trade Jared McCain to Thunder | Daryl Morey Wanted Bigger NBA Move

Sixers Smart to Trade Jared McCain to Thunder | Daryl Morey Wanted Bigger NBA Move

Sixers Smart to Trade Jared McCain to Thunder | Daryl Morey Wanted Bigger NBA Move

@JeffSkverskyYouTube

The Philadelphia 76ers traded Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a move that signals Daryl Morey believes he sold high — and honestly, I agree.

McCain’s rookie flashes were real. He set an NBA rookie record with eight straight games of three or more made threes, averaged 20-plus points during a scorching November, and earned Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors. But injuries changed everything. A torn meniscus ended his rookie year early, and a torn thumb ligament delayed his sophomore season before it even started.

Since returning, McCain has struggled to find consistency, confidence, and rotation minutes on a deeper, healthier Sixers roster. He’s averaged just 6.6 points, shot under 40 percent, and eventually fell out of Nick Nurse’s rotation entirely. Yes, there were recent signs of life — a garbage-time shooting burst in Charlotte and a 17-point night against Milwaukee — but does that make him a playoff difference-maker? No.

Morey said the Sixers tried to package those picks to land someone who could move the needle. It didn’t pan out — so they pivoted. Get your first-round pick back. Add flexibility. Take another shot. McCain, fairly or not, wasn’t going to get this team over the hump.

McCain admitted the trade caught him off guard and said he was emotional when he found out on the team bus in Los Angeles. He’s excited about a fresh start in Oklahoma City and believes he’ll be a great fit with the Thunder. That might be true. But in Philadelphia, the margin for patience is thin — and the Sixers are still chasing a deep playoff run.

Morey says they can make it. I’m not convinced. Not because of this trade alone — but because this team still struggles to close close games and lacks a true killer instinct, even with Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level.

Time will tell if Morey sold high. Right now, it feels like the right business decision — even if it’s an uncomfortable one.

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If you want, I can tighten this into a YouTube short description, FOX29 web version, or a 30-second anchor read next.

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