The Philadelphia 76ers traded Jared McCain to the Thunder before the deadline, and it has left Charles Barkley questioning what his former team is doing. McCain immediately proved to be a special talent, but was struggling this season. The Sixers had a glut in the backcourt, and thought the best move was shipping McCain elsewhere. Barkley clearly thinks that was a mistake.
McCain has quickly made Morey and the Sixers regret this trade. His numbers immediately improved, including averaging 11.6 points and shooting 45 percent from 3-point range, in his first five games with OKC. The 22-year-old is looking like the player fans thought would be Rookie of the Year before his injury.
The Hall of Famer flamed his former team for this trade. He clearly thought it didn’t make sense and even questioned the team’s decision-making. Here is a look at his quotes from Inside the NBA on Sunday afternoon and why Barkley is likely right on this one.
Charles Barkley couldn’t believe the 76ers traded Jared McCain
The Inside the NBA crew was discussing Sunday’s battle between the Thunder and Cavaliers, and the conversation shifted to the McCain trade. Barkley quickly took a shot at the 76ers.
“I don’t know why my Sixers traded him.”
He followed by further questioning the team’s front office.
“Man, I don’t know what the Sixers are doing.”
McCain was struggling, but Nick Nurse and the 76ers were behind most of the issues. After drafting VJ Edgecombe and trading for Quentin Grimes, Philly had a loaded backcourt. Nurse is playing Tyrese Maxey the most minutes in the NBA, which further shrinks the available run. McCain’s role was inconsistent, and the young guard was struggling to adjust.
It was obvious he would improve on a new team. McCain proved to be a strong shooter and scorer as a rookie. The 6’3 guard must improve defensively and keep adding to his offensive game, but it is clear that McCain is ready to impact the game immediately. The Sixers prioritized other options, and McCain will likely make them pay for that decision.
This is not the first time Barkley questioned the 76ers' decision-making on this trade. He has been every Philadelphia fan trying to figure out why the team would give up on a second-year player who has shown so much.
My stance on the McCain trade has always been that the Sixers gave up on him too soon but that subtracting him wasn't as bad as not adding anyone at all, even as a sign of belief in the team.
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) February 22, 2026
Having said that, neither Jared McCain nor any other one shooter is fixing this. They…
The Sixers are in a position to make the playoffs, and sold McCain at the deadline. It had fans questioning everything, especially with the team surprisingly contending. Joel Embiid’s injury history is well-documented. Philadelphia has to win now with Tyrese Maxey breaking out. They should have improved their roster and pushed to make a run. Instead, they sold McCain and baffled their fans.
Charles Barkley is never afraid to give the Philadelphia 76ers heat after his painful departure in 1992. He couldn’t figure out why they gave up on Jared McCain in his second season, and fans know trading with Sam Presti is usually a mistake. The Hall of Famer is likely spot on this time. The Sixers will likely regret this trade for years to come.