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The Philadelphia 76ers surprised fans Wednesday when it traded second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Sixers landed the Houston Rockets' 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks from the Thunder for McCain.
It's a disappointing end to McCain's tenure in Philly following a fantastic rookie season last year. He averaged 15.3 points and 2.6 assists after being selected No. 16 overall by the Sixers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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But the move opens much needed flexibility for the Sixers. NBA insider Jake Fischer said the trade allows Philadelphia to give a full roster spot to forward Dominick Barlow, who's been an important player this season.
"It does give the Sixers plenty of wiggle room to bring Dominick Barlow off of a two-way contract and give him a significant contract," Fischer said. "Maybe even above the veteran minimum to keep him in the fold this year."
Barlow is averaging 8.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in 24 minutes per game. He's already played in 40 games this season, 10 games below the league's limit for two-way players.
The deal also opens the door for guard Quentin Grimes to land a long-term extension in Philly after he failed to land a new deal last summer.
"It also sets them up to be in position to bring back Quentin Grimes, who is on a one-year qualifying offer after his rookie scale extension negotiations did not go well," Fischer said.
Fischer doesn't believe the Sixers will make another major move before Thursday's trade deadline. He said the McCain trade gives them an additional flexibility to retain their young players.
"I don't think this is any precursor to a bigger move that's coming," he said. "This move is really just salary clearing, freeing up financial flexibility for Philadelphia this summer."
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