The rich get richer. In a stunning move, the OKC Thunder have traded for Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers for draft compensation. This looks like an astute move for the Thunder; it’s a low-risk move for a 21-year-old who was a Rookie of the Year candidate just last season before his injury.
Meanwhile, the Sixers were looking to clear up their logjam at guard and have room to extend Quentin Grimes. It seems odd for the Sixers to move on from such a promising prospect for mere draft compensation, and help the already title-favorite Thunder in the process. Nevertheless, we’ll break down McCain’s salary and contract.
A Look at Jared McCain’s Move to Thunder: His Salary Breakdown and Earnings
Per Spotrac, McCain’s average salary is $4.8 million, after signing a 4-year, $19.4 million rookie contract with the 76ers. Currently playing in the second year of his deal, the club option for next season has already been exercised; his fourth-year club option is worth $6.7 million, and the deadline for the Thunder to pick that up is the 31st October 2026. His current career earnings are $8.2 million, per Spotrac.
McCain was taken 16th in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft out of Duke University. In just 23 appearances last season, McCain looked like a Rookie Of The Year candidate, averaging 15.3 points per game on 46% shooting, plus a respectable 38.3% from three-point range.
In eight starts last year, he was even more impressive. As a starter, he averaged 23.8 points per game. However, a torn meniscus, plus subsequent surgery, ruled him out for the rest of the ’24 season. Then he was further compromised by a torn UCL in his thumb. His performances this season tell a story of a player still getting used to being back at an NBA level after a long time out, averaging just 6.6 points per game since returning.
Having fully recovered, Shams Charania of ESPN has confirmed that he’s been traded from the 76ers to OKC for the Rockets’ 2026 first-round pick (which will translate as a low first), plus three second-round picks.
BREAKING: The Philadelphia 76ers are trading guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 Rockets first-round pick and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/0wGXxzPURG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
The Sixers deemed his contract necessary to trade to enable them to extend Grimes. On the other hand, the Thunder now have the opportunity to develop him, and he can step in while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recovers from an abdominal strain over the next few weeks.
It seems odd for the Sixers to give up on McCain so quickly after looking good value for his selection at 16th overall, and the Thunder look like they made a smart deal to strengthen their guard options before the deadline.