Even at the time of the Philadelphia 76ers' decision to "sell high" on Jared McCain ahead of this year's deadline when they traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder (of all teams), many fans thought it was a bad call. And nearly two months later, it's only gotten worse for them.
In 20 games for the Thunder this season, the Duke alum has averaged 12.3 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 46.8% from the field and 43.9% from deep in 19.6 minutes.
The 76ers gave up on McCain way too early, and now they're paying for it. However, there is still something they can do to at least save some face and justify their decision: re-sign Quentin Grimes in the offseason.
Philadelphia needs to re-sign Quentin Grimes this summer
One of the reasons the 76ers opted to trade McCain was because of their logjam in the backcourt. With Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, McCain, and Grimes all on the roster, one of them needed to go (apparently). And by trading the second-year guard, not only did the team decide who the odd man out was, but they also committed to Grimes, evidently putting their trust in him to contribute for the foreseeable future.
The only problem, though, is that the 25-year-old is set to hit unrestricted free agency in the summer. And based on his recent play, he could be in line for a sizeable payday.
In a recent episode of "The Hoop Collective" podcast, ESPN's Tim Bontemps spoke about Grimes' impending free agency and noted that, if Philadelphia doesn't retain him, it will "put a bigger spotlight" on the McCain trade, which is already aging poorly for the team.
"It's gonna be [a] very interesting free agency in light of the Jared McCain trade. When Philadelphia made that trade, obviously it's been a hotly debated topic in Philly, but when you make that trade and you keep Grimes, the idea clearly is you're going to have him as your third guard with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe going forward, and if he somehow leaves this summer as a free agent and they don't retain his services, it's only going to put a bigger spotlight on that trade," Bontemps said.
Grimes has been fantastic for the 76ers ever since they acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks last season. In 93 total games with the team, he has averaged 16.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.6% from deep.
By all means, the 76ers need to do whatever they can to keep the Texas native around for the long haul. Because if they don't, then the McCain trade will go from bad to worse, and given how bleak Philadelphia's outlook already is, this is the last thing the team needs right now.