The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Thursday that they have exercised the third-year team option on Jared McCain’s contract for the 2026-27 NBA season. There was little surprise in the move, but the Sixers were obligated to act now as the deadline for rookie-scale team options is Friday, Oct. 31.
The third year of McCain’s deal is worth approximately $4.4 million, according to Over the Cap.
The former Duke Blue Devil came to Philadelphia after they chose him with the 16th overall selection in the 2024 NBA draft. Though he has played just 23 games in his young career, the young Sixer has impressed with a dynamic offensive ability, averaging 15.3 points while shooting over 38% from deep on more than five attempts per game.
McCain has not played since he suffered a left knee lateral meniscus tear on Dec. 13 of last year. He was set to return at the start of this season, but suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb in late last month. McCain’s return seems to be on the horizon, as he finally returned to practice on Thursday morning.
Despite this, there remains no timeline for McCain’s recovery, as he is currently only a non-contact participant, leaving some road to travel as he recovers.
