Sixers fans are even more furious as Jared McCain thrives after trade blunder

Almost a month has passed since the Philadelphia Sixers shockingly traded Jared McCain to the Thunder, and fans still aren't ready to forgive Daryl Morey. The guard keeps giving them reasons to hate the trade, as on Tuesday, he dropped 20 points in 25 minutes in OKC's win over Chicago, the third time he's scored 20+ points with the Thunder.

As Jake Fischer wrote for The Stein Line on Wednesday, McCain quickly "cemented his popularity" (subscription required) with the fan base last season, thanks to his play (and personality) as a rookie. That didn't change even after the Sixers drafted V.J. Edgecombe in June.

McCain struggled in the first half of the season in Philly in his reduced role, averaging 6.6 points on 38.5% shooting from the field and 37.8% from three. Since the trade, though, he's averaging 12.5 points on 48.5% shooting from the field and 43.1% from deep. It doesn't take much to understand why fans are still upset.

Of course, it didn't help that McCain recorded another 20-point game on the same night Philly lost by 40. Everyone, not just Sixers fans, is still trying to figure out what Morey thought he accomplished at the deadline.

Jared McCain continues to make the Sixers look even worse

It certainly doesn't help that Philadelphia sent McCain to the top team in the league, the reigning champions, who could very well win another title in June. Fans could be haunted by the trade for another few months before they get a respite over the summer. Even then, they won't get a break, as McCain's TikTok videos will pop up more frequently.

He's only 22, too, making the Sixers' decision to move on from him even more puzzling, as he still has a couple of years left on his rookie contract. It was a rash move.

Quentin Grimes' production (or the lack thereof) hasn't helped matters, either. He had two points in 22 points against San Antonio. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent over the offseason, and he certainly won't get the $25 million per year he held out for last summer. Still, the front office will have to pay up if they want to keep him around.

Again, if they had kept McCain, they wouldn't have to worry about making a decision regarding his future during the offseason.

Daryl Morey wasn't popular in Philly before the deadline, and after trading McCain, he certainly isn't welcome in his own city. If only there had been a way to send Morey packing last month instead of the beloved guard.