76ers accused of exaggerating guard’s play to boost trade value

With the exception of their Big Three—Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George—the Philadelphia 76ers ' roster is full of tradeable assets, who could boost their championship odds if moved.

This includes one of the Sixers' youngest players and No. 16 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jared McCain.

Back in September, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz named McCain as one of their best trade assets, and the NBA community is now jumping on the bandwagon. People are questioning the motives behind a report recently released by The Athletic's Tony Jones.

“The rookie out of Duke has been the talk of training camp and the preseason so far," Jones wrote. "Multiple team sources indicate McCain has played extremely well in camp, especially on offense. He’s played without fear, but most importantly, with patience and aplomb. He’s a highly skilled guard who has a chance to be impactful at all three levels and can play both spots in the backcourt.”

The part social media is struggling to work past is "team sources indicate McCain has played extremely well." If these reports are coming from within Philadelphia's organization, could it be to boost the 20-year-old's trade value?

"It’s gonna sting to see him get dealt at the deadline," one fan wrote in response to Jones' quote.

"I have a hot take about all this Jared McCain info…feels like they’re trying to gear him up to be a trade piece at the deadline," another person posted.

At the end of the day, the NBA is a business where the goal is to construct the best possible roster. That could mean trading away their rookie in the 76ers' case.

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