Jared McCain’s connection to OKC stretches all the way back to the 2024 NBA Draft

Former quarterback of the Philadelphia 76ers Jared McCain officially joined Oklahoma City Thunderas Marc Daigneault revealed, the front office has had its eyes on the second-year shooting guard since his draft process in 2024. Before this week’s deadline, The Thunder traded with the 76ers for McCain. GM Sam Presti reached deep into his treasure trove of assets and plucked a 2026 first-rounder along with three future second-round picks and shoved him across the table.

Presti’s trade for McCain wasn’t a surprise to Daigneault, who says it was eager to integrate his new shooter into the Thunder’s offense as naturally as possible, he said, per Sports Illustrated’s Rylan Stiles.

“Jared is a really good kid. We spent a lot of time with him in the drafting process. Our scouts liked him then and continue to like him in his NBA career,” Daigneault said. “So he’s always been someone that Sam (Presti) and the rest of that group have had their eye on. And we think he fits in really well with the group. First of all, with a team like ours that’s been successful and also had a lot of continuity — that’s really important to Sam.

“He certainly expressed that to us; bring in people who can sing our song. We think he’s cut from that cloth. That encourages us, and now it’s just a matter of integrating him in a very organic way. Not trying to force anything. But also, to give him a chance to strengthen the team. He’s also not there to be a bystander, but it still looks like that, but we have to see. Excited to add him,” Daigneault concluded.

Mark Daigneault on Jared McCain pic.twitter.com/nJCnnL0GV9

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) February 6, 2026

McCain’s shooting numbers, especially from a catch-and-shoot standpoint, undoubtedly fit a Thunder team loaded with efficient scorers. Jared entered the NBA ranked in the 81st percentile for shooting off the dribble and shot 42.1% on catch-and-shoot threes. The second-year NBA guard has a career three-point clip of 38.1%.

Thunder players react to Jared McCain trade

Thunder veteran Jaylin Williams is excited about the arrival of Jared McCain. While Williams knows the influence McCain brings to the court, he also does I look forward to connecting with the second-year guard, as fans on social media are already clamoring for entertaining content from the two NBA TikTok experts.

“A great player, of course – a great shooter,” Williams said. “Honestly, I haven’t watched a lot of 76ers games this season. So I don’t know what this season is like. But I know from last season that he was one of the leading rookies. I know he’s a great player. Great chemistry. They tag me in a bunch of things, saying we’ll know together and be fun from TikToks. What I’ve heard around the league.

“I don’t remember when it was, but somewhere in Vegas, me and him and Wiggs were in an elevator together and we were just chatting. And he was a cool guy then, and I’m sure he’s going to be a really cool guy.”

Daigneault says there is no confirmation that McCain will make his debut in the Thunder’s home game against the Rockets on Saturday.