Kyle Lowry revealed message for Jared McCain after 76ers trade
The NBA trade deadline is often described as the coldest time of the year, a period where the business of basketball abruptly intersects with the human element of the locker room. For the Philadelphia 76ers, the deadline brought a surprising farewell as the team traded second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the move shocked a fanbase that had grown to love the energetic guard, Sixers veteran Kyle Lowry stepped in to ensure the youngster viewed the transaction through the right lens.
Following the trade, which sent McCain to Oklahoma City in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (via Houston) and three second-round picks, Lowry revealed the advice he gave to his departing teammate. Rather than letting McCain dwell on the rejection of being moved, Lowry flipped the script, highlighting the significant draft capital the Thunder surrendered to acquire him.
"I told him basically, like 'Listen, a team is willing to give up that much for you. That means you're worth something,'" Lowry shared with reporters. "The trade deadline sucks for individuals like him because he's an asset and we got four picks for him... But that means you're worth something."
Lowry, who re-signed with Philadelphia in July 2024 and has served as a mentor for the roster's younger guards, emphasized that his relationship with McCain extends beyond the court. He assured the 21-year-old that he would remain a "big brother" to him regardless of the jersey he wears. The veteran’s perspective offers a silver lining for McCain, who now joins a loaded Thunder organization that clearly values his shooting and playmaking potential enough to part with valuable future assets.
For the Sixers, the move has drawn mixed reactions. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey faced criticism for potentially "ducking the tax," though he insisted the team attempted to flip the acquired picks for immediate upgrades that never materialized. While the front office navigates the fallout, Lowry’s leadership remains a stabilizing force, reminding the locker room—and McCain—that in the NBA, value is often measured by what a team is willing to pay to get you.
Following the trade, which sent McCain to Oklahoma City in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (via Houston) and three second-round picks, Lowry revealed the advice he gave to his departing teammate. Rather than letting McCain dwell on the rejection of being moved, Lowry flipped the script, highlighting the significant draft capital the Thunder surrendered to acquire him.
"I told him basically, like 'Listen, a team is willing to give up that much for you. That means you're worth something,'" Lowry shared with reporters. "The trade deadline sucks for individuals like him because he's an asset and we got four picks for him... But that means you're worth something."
Lowry, who re-signed with Philadelphia in July 2024 and has served as a mentor for the roster's younger guards, emphasized that his relationship with McCain extends beyond the court. He assured the 21-year-old that he would remain a "big brother" to him regardless of the jersey he wears. The veteran’s perspective offers a silver lining for McCain, who now joins a loaded Thunder organization that clearly values his shooting and playmaking potential enough to part with valuable future assets.
For the Sixers, the move has drawn mixed reactions. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey faced criticism for potentially "ducking the tax," though he insisted the team attempted to flip the acquired picks for immediate upgrades that never materialized. While the front office navigates the fallout, Lowry’s leadership remains a stabilizing force, reminding the locker room—and McCain—that in the NBA, value is often measured by what a team is willing to pay to get you.
