Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers’ star guard and two-time All-Star, showed a heartfelt response after learning that his teammate Jared McCain was traded away. McCain, a young guard who had been with the Sixers since being drafted in 2024, was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that brings Philadelphia multiple future draft picks.
As reported by Newsweek, McCain’s time in Philadelphia had started with promise. In his rookie season, he put up strong numbers before a knee injury cut his year short. He averaged over 15 points per game and looked like a rising star in the league before being sidelined.
In the 2025-26 season, he dealt with additional injuries, including a thumb issue that delayed his return to action, and his role with the Sixers fluctuated as he worked back into form. Despite flashes of scoring prowess late in the season, his averages dipped compared to his rookie campaign.
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Maxey Didn’t Wanna See McCain go
The trade came on the eve of the NBA’s trade deadline, amidst the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga, with Philadelphia acquiring a 2026 first-round draft pick from the Houston Rockets and three second-round draft selections spread across several years. Sixers officials saw the move as a chance to add future assets and clear roster space in a crowded backcourt, which included Tyrese Maxey, standout rookie VJ Edgecombe, and other perimeter players.
After the transaction was confirmed, Maxey took to social media with a simple yet emotional message addressed directly to McCain. He wrote “My slime,” accompanied by an emotional emoji, signaling both affection and support for his former teammate as he prepared to start a new chapter in Oklahoma City.
Maxey had taken McCain under his wing during their time together in Philadelphia. As a seasoned scorer and leader, Maxey had helped guide the young player through the challenges of an NBA season, especially as McCain dealt with the ups and downs of injuries and inconsistent playing time.
For McCain, being traded marked a significant shift in his early career. The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a championship the previous season, will offer him a different environment and potentially a larger role. Although his production this year was modest due to limited minutes and time out of the rotation, he still demonstrated scoring ability and potential when given the chance. His shooting percentages were respectable, including a near 38 percent mark from three-point range before the trade.
The emotional nature of Maxey’s response also reflects the broader sense of disappointment among many fans and players who enjoyed watching McCain’s development. Social media reactions to the trade highlighted how quickly McCain had endeared himself to the Philadelphia community, even in a relatively short span. Some Sixers supporters viewed the deal as a loss of a promising young talent, especially given his rookie performance and flashes of scoring that suggested more growth was possible.
Still, the deal was motivated by strategic considerations for the 76ers as they aim to compete in the Eastern Conference. By acquiring future picks, Philadelphia hopes to add flexibility and depth in the seasons ahead, even if that comes at the cost of parting with a player who has become a fan favorite.
For Maxey, the trade represents another transition in his career as he continues to lead the 76ers. His public tribute to McCain underscores the personal relationships that form behind the scenes in professional sports, where teammates often become close friends and mentors. Maxey’s simple message not only acknowledged McCain’s departure but also reaffirmed the respect and care he has for a player he helped support on and off the court.
As McCain heads to Oklahoma City, both he and Maxey face new challenges and opportunities. McCain will try to grow into his role with the Thunder, while Maxey remains focused on steering the Sixers through the remainder of the season.
Published: Feb 5, 2026 02:20 pm