Sixers higher ups recount Jared McCain trade, talk luxury tax concerns

CAMDEN, N. J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers made a surprising move at the deadline when they sent promising second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that netted them three second-round picks and a first-rounder in this 2026 draft via the Houston Rockets --the No.

22 pick in the June 23 draft. The deal was certainly a head-scratcher in the moment. The Sixers needed some reliable guards off their bench and McCain was beginning to really find his groove again with the Sixers after missing so much time due to a torn meniscus that ended his rookie season after just 23 games.

He is playing well for the Thunder as he shot 12-for-19 from deep in Round 2 as the Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers on their way to the Western Conference finals. As managing partner, Josh Harris and the interim head of basketball operations, Bob Myers, move ahead to finding a replacement for Daryl Morey, both men addressed the McCain trade. "Well, I like Daryl.

I'm not gonna disparage Daryl here today," Myers said. "I think he did a fine job, and I think he's a good person, and what I will say to your question, and I understand why you asked it, is that what I will tell you is that was a few months ago. Right now, we have the 22nd pick.