Philly’s Kawhi chase and Jared McCain trade ignite backlash
Sixers’ Star Hunt Backfires
Reports reveal the 76ers aggressively chased a blockbuster trade for Kawhi Leonard and other seven-time All-Stars at the deadline, but came up empty and instead moved young guard Jared McCain to the Thunder. As McCain thrives in Oklahoma City, critics argue Daryl Morey’s star-obsessed approach cost Philadelphia a key piece of its future without delivering the co-star Joel Embiid needs. Commentary from insiders like Zach Lowe tries to add nuance, but fan frustration is mounting as the organization is accused of being stuck in a failed ‘star hunting’ playbook.
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Updated Mar 6, 2026