The Philadelphia 76ers may be having second thoughts about their decision to trade rookie guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder—and those regrets are only growing as the Thunder make a deep playoff run.

Midway through the season, the Sixers sent McCain to OKC primarily because he didn't have a clear spot in their rotation. But what looked like a roster-trimming move is quickly shaping up to be a major steal for the Thunder.

In Thursday night's Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers, McCain needed just 18 minutes to pour in 18 points—shooting 7-of-11 from the field and 4-of-5 from beyond the arc with only one turnover. That kind of efficiency is exactly what the defending NBA champions were hoping for when they acquired him.

It's a tough pill to swallow for Philly fans, especially considering McCain was leading the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year race before a season-ending injury derailed his momentum. When he returned in 2025-26, the Sixers never truly carved out minutes for him. He looked rusty in limited action—but he also never got the consistent playing time needed to shake off the rust.

The Thunder have built a reputation for maximizing player potential, and McCain is the latest example. Meanwhile, the 76ers are still alive in the playoffs, but they're watching a promising young talent thrive elsewhere—on a bargain rookie contract, no less.

For a team that could always use more shooting and youthful energy, letting McCain go is a move that will haunt them for years, especially if he keeps lighting it up on the biggest stage.