Jared McCain feels ‘all the emotions’ after 76ers trade

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain he says he felt blindsided Philadelphia 76ers‘ trade before Thursday’s deadline, but is looking forward to a new chapter in his NBA career with the defending champions. Coach Mark Daigneault revealed the Thunder’s interest in McCaindating back to 2024, when Jared worked out with Oklahoma City as part of his draft process.

McCain returned to Thunder practice for the first time since his draft workout. During his first media availability with the Thunder, a reporter asked if he was first learned of the trade on Wednesday from the 76ers before it was announced, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

“No, not at all,” McCain said. “We were all on the bus to the airport, and I just got the call. I had no feeling. I didn’t think it was going to happen, to be honest. It was nothing, I got the call and I just went and told everyone. I went to Tyrese (Maxi) first and it was pretty emotional.”

For McCain, it was an emotional transition from the 76ers to the Thunder. However, he is confident that the trade won’t take long to process and he will make his Thunder debut.

“I’m allowing myself to feel all the emotions. It’s natural. Give yourself grace through this process,” McCain added. “But you move fast. I went down to LA and then I had to come straight here. It’s a little bit of both. It’s a balance you have to work through. I’m definitely still going through it and still trying to deal with it.”

Here’s Jared McCain speaking to the media for the first time as a Thunder player pic.twitter.com/NC1iu5kJoC

— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) February 6, 2026

Daigneault says he’s not sure if McCain will make his Thunder debut in Saturday’s matinee against the Rockets.

Jared McCain’s positive approach to the Thunder’s tenure

The The Thunder acquired Jared McCain for four draft picksincluding a first-round pick in 2026 and three future second-round picks going to the 76ers between now and 2028. In the midst of an injury-riddled second season, with most of his setbacks in the rearview mirror ahead of his first game as a member of the Thunder, McCain says he got through his first two seasons, but the NBA got through its first trades. for anything else.

“I’ve had a lot of experience in a short amount of time,” McCain said. “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I’ve been through ups and downs. And there’s going to be more. I’m just trying to stay even-keeled and try to stick with it. Stick with it. Just keep working hard and just know that it’s all going to fall into place. To sum it up, I think it’s been great. My life is paid to play basketball and I’m playing it amazingly.

“So I try to keep it in perspective at all times when obviously little things are going to happen that could definitely screw it up. You just have to stay calm and try to talk to your family, talk to the people around you that you care about the most,” McCain concluded.

McCain says he and 76ers GM Daryl Morey “didn’t talk much at all” when he received the phone call about his trade. The Thunder will host the Rockets on Saturday.