Jared McCain has been fantastic ever since the moment he first donned a Philadelphia 76ers jersey. But now, with the way this team's roster has changed, it's becoming clearer and clearer that McCain isn't likely to finish his NBA career in Philadelphia.
This has nothing to do with Jared's talent, and everything to do with roster construction. The Sixers now have their backcourt of the future with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe looking like a future superstar tandem. You just can't slide in McCain next to those two and have a functioning lineup from a defensive perspective, so it makes all too much sense for Philly to consider dealing him at some point.
Unfortunately, this is simply the team's best option. Jared became beloved among the 76ers' fanbase in short order, but the reality of him having his best years as a professional in another city is starting to look like a real possibility.
From a pure basketball standpoint, the issue is fit more than production. McCain has shown he can score at all three levels, move well without the ball, and bring energy to a second unit. But Philadelphia’s defensive identity has been trending toward size, length, and switchability around Maxey and Edgecombe. Asking McCain to hold up consistently at the point of attack alongside those two puts him in a role that does not accentuate his strengths.
Jared McCain could find a bigger role elsewhere
There is also a usage problem beginning to surface. Maxey remains the engine of the offense, and Edgecombe’s development has clearly become a priority for the coaching staff. With Joel Embiid commanding touches inside and Paul George handling a significant share of on ball creation on the wing, there are only so many meaningful reps to go around. The pathway to a larger role for McCain is narrowing rather than opening.
From a front office perspective, that is exactly why his value may never be higher than it is right now. McCain is young, productive, cost controlled, and appealing to teams looking for backcourt scoring juice. Philadelphia is operating in a window where every roster spot needs to serve a specific postseason purpose, and versatility matters more than sentiment.
None of this diminishes what McCain has done in a 76ers uniform. He's been impactful and easy to root for. But contenders often have to make uncomfortable decisions, and this feels like one of them. Philadelphia is built to win now, and roster balance will dictate the next move.
If McCain does eventually thrive elsewhere, it will not be because the Sixers misjudged his talent. It will simply be because circumstances demanded a sacrifice. Sometimes, the hardest part of building a contender is letting go of the players fans wish they could keep.