Two young guards are set to transfer and call another city their new home after they got moved ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline: Sixers’ Jared McCain and Bulls’ Coby White.

Jared McCain traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a 2026 Houston Rockets first-round pick and three second-round draft picks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

McCain, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, enjoyed a promising rookie season before injuries disrupted his development. This season, he’s averaged 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting roughly 38.5 % from three, and OKC hopes his shooting and potential can help bolster its guard depth, especially with star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined with an abdominal strain.

Adding McCain gives OKC a young shooting guard with upside who can provide spacing and perimeter scoring in relief of its stars – an appealing low-risk, high-reward piece as the defending champions chase another deep playoff run.  

For the 76ers, the deal brings significant draft capital and roster flexibility, helping them get below the luxury tax threshold and clear space for other backcourt pieces. 

Coby White heads to the Charlotte Hornets

In a separate deadline move, the Chicago Bulls sent veteran guard Coby White (along with Mike Conley Jr.) to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a three-team trade. 

Charlotte received White, currently averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game this season, to upgrade its backcourt and add more offensive firepower. 

Bringing in White gives Charlotte a proven scorer and playmaker to support its young core and push toward the play-in/playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. 

In return, the Bulls acquired Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three future second-round picks, signaling a broader roster retooling as Chicago continues its rebuild. 

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As for the Sixers & Bulls, both franchises gained future draft capital and flexibility as they adjust long-term strategies and balance present competitiveness with future building.