The Philadelphia 76ers were widely expected to make a cost-cutting move before the trade deadline, as that is how their front office has operated over the past few seasons. He has shown an aversion to paying the luxury tax, and for better or worse, he has ensured that he does not stray above the tax apron.
However, the 76ers found the tax savings they were looking for in an unexpected place. They traded their 2024 first-round pick, Jared McCann, who had shown so much promise before tearing his meniscus, to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick (from the Houston Rockets) and three second-round picks.
Now, McCain is turning his attention to the defending champion. On Friday night, he scored 21 points on 7-12 shooting from the field in the Thunder’s 105–86 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He starred for an OKC team that was missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, and McCann’s emergence has given OKC more room to rest those key guys — much to the dismay of 76ers fans.
76ers fans crying over Jared McCann loss after big night for OKC

The 76ers’ decision to trade McCain was a surprising development, as it looked like he was going to be part of the team’s core for the near future, given how well he played in his rookie season.
Now, McCann is playing well for the Thunder, and 76ers fans are heartbroken that the guy they picked is working for a different team in his second year campaign.
Sixers fan RN after trade of Jared McCain https://t.co/50ysWG7DFf pic.twitter.com/QM3mv0TSnt
– Chilinwari (@chilinwari) 21 February 2026
“Jared McCann playing so well shows just how bad Nick Nurse is on this roster,” wrote X user @Youdownwith_LNV.
@TimeoutSPORTS3 said, “The Sixers gave Jared McCain practically nothing. Non-serious organization.”
@Glenjr1988 added, “I was right about Jared McCain. I mean Sam Presti traded for him.”
76ers president Daryl Morey said they were “highly sold” on McCann. Only time will tell whether this is actually the case or not. However, everything is not looking good for Philly at the moment.
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