OKC players react to Jared McCain trade

After that Oklahoma City Thunderwith only eight players active, lost to the San Antonio Spurs — 116-106 — veteran Jaylin Williams shared his thoughts on Thunder trade with Philadelphia 76ers for Jared McCain. With an extended injury list and one of two substitutions the Thunder made on Wednesday, the depleted defending champions fell on the road.

Then a reporter asked Williams about his reaction to the Thunder acquisition McCain before Thursday’s trade deadline.

“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.”

Veteran Kenrich Williams had a similar take on McCain and what the Thunder are all about expects in his arrival.

“I think he’s going to bring some shooting to the team. I haven’t watched him much,” Williams said. “But I know he’s a scorer. I think he’s a scorer. So he’s going to fit in with our team — I’m excited to have him.”

Kenrich Williams’ 25 points, including four 3-pointers and nine rebounds, led the Thunder in a loss to the Spurs on Wednesday. Jaylin Williams finished with a game-high 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in 40 minutes as one of only two centers available for the Thunder. Aaron Wiggins added 20 points, including four 3-pointers, six assists and five steals.

Thunder trade 4 draft picks to acquire Jared McCain

In the middle of a season full of injuries for the defending champion, c The Thunder traded four draft picks for Jared McCain. In a crowded 76ers backcourt featuring All-Star Tyrese Maxey, standout rookie VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes, McCain’s opportunities have been limited this season.

After McCain’s impressive rookie season, the Thunder’s desire for a second-year guard was evident in the 2026 first-round pick, along with three future second-rounders, as GM Sam Presti had the capital to get the player he wanted.

The Thunder likely took a look at McCain ahead of the 2024 draft, adding their guy in hopes of bolstering their roster as they try to win back-to-back championships this season.