The Sixers’ 2024-25 season has been rough, sitting at 15-20 and missing the play-in cut in the East. Almost all of their starters are plagued with injuries. But let’s be real—rookie Jared McCain was the silver lining early on. He didn’t just show up; he looked like the guy, leading the Rookie of the Year race right out of the gate.

Then came the tough news. After surgery, hopes were high that McCain might return, but the Sixers shut that down on Thursday night. He’s officially out for the season! It’s brutal, especially since he was on fire to start his career. Now, McCain has to pivot and gear up for a fresh start in 2025-26. You can’t help but feel for him—he was already showing flashes of a star in the making.

Jared McCain’s rookie season ended far too soon. Back on December 13, he tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee, which has kept him off the court ever since. His surgery, a meniscus repair instead of a removal, is good news for his long-term health but adds time to the recovery process, as reported by Derek Bodner of The Athletic Philadelphia.

McCain suffered the injury in Dec against the Pacers. The Sixers’ injury struggles have been there since the start. Paul George and Joel Embiid were out for a long time to start the season. Then Tyrese Maxey went down as well. And now they got dealt with this blow.

Let’s hope the Sixers can find their footing. They’ve shown improvement recently, but they’re still stuck in the 11th spot in the East, 15-20, through 35 games. Over their last ten matchups, they’ve managed a solid 6-4 run. It’s progress, but there’s still a long way to go.

The 76ers look for a trade to bolster their offense, as Jared McCain is ruled out for the season

The Philadelphia 76ers are finally clicking after a sluggish start, but they’re still fighting to secure a postseason presence. To make that push, they might need a blockbuster trade, and one proposal could help take them to the next level. FanSided suggests trading for Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kenyon Martin Jr. and two future first-round picks.

Kuminga’s situation in Golden State is a bit tricky. The Warriors couldn’t agree on a contract extension with him, which means he’ll hit restricted free agency next summer. As FanSided’s Cal Durrett put it, “Kuminga doesn’t appear to have a long-term role with the Warriors.” This opens the door for other teams to jump in.

For the 76ers, this trade would instantly boost their depth. Losing two first-round picks would sting, but JK adds a lot to their lineup. If they can offload PG’s $211 million contract, Kuminga would fill the gap, offering more scoring alongside Maxey. Even if George sticks around, adding the young Bay star makes Philly one of the most stacked teams in the East.

A healthy Embiid, Maxey, and Kuminga would be a dangerous mix.

For the Warriors, this trade helps clear cap space and shift focus toward the future. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green aging, it’s time to plan ahead. Kuminga may not be part of that plan, making him a prime trade candidate. What do you think?