Jared McCain joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Toronto workout
Jared McCain is spending part of his NBA offseason training with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Toronto, a clear signal that the former Sixers guard is embracing a bigger role ahead of his first full season with OKC. The sessions come as McCain eyes an expanded opportunity after Oklahoma City's roster shake-up.
Key Takeaways
- Jared McCain has been working out with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Toronto during the NBA offseason.
- The 22-year-old joined OKC at the trade deadline from the Philadelphia 76ers and is preparing for his first full Thunder season.
- McCain posted two 20-point games in the 2026 Western Conference Finals as short-handed Oklahoma City pushed San Antonio to seven games.
- After OKC moved on from Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and later Lu Dort, McCain is lined up for a larger 2026-27 role.
- He shot 39% from three with the Thunder last season and could compete for minutes alongside SGA.
Where did Jared McCain work out with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
According to reporting from ClutchPoints, Jared McCain joined Gilgeous-Alexander for offseason workouts in Toronto. SGA, raised in Hamilton, Ontario, is taking the third-year guard under his wing ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Yahoo Sports noted McCain has spent time in Canada with the Thunder superstar. After arriving midseason, this is his first real stretch to settle in as an Oklahoma City player and put in developmental work before training camp.
Thunder reporter Alex Roig also shared that McCain has been enjoying Toronto with SGA, Ares, and rapper Drake while putting in work. For more viral and market-moving alerts, browse our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
Why does the workout matter for Jared McCain's role?
McCain became a buy-low trade deadline addition from Philadelphia. Injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell thrust him into high-stakes minutes almost immediately. In roughly three months, he climbed the depth chart under pressure.
He delivered microwave scoring in the playoffs, including two 20-point games that helped the Thunder force a Game 7 against the Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals. Oklahoma City still fell short, but McCain's production was a bright spot.
That trust showed in roster decisions. Yahoo Sports reported OKC felt confident moving on from Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins partly because of belief in McCain as a future bench scorer. After GM Sam Presti later traded Lu Dort, ClutchPoints said McCain is in line for a potential increased role next season.
Can Jared McCain earn a starting job in 2026-27?
ClutchPoints framed McCain as competing with Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell for a chance to start beside Gilgeous-Alexander. Even if he does not win that job, he is expected to remain a vital piece of coach Mark Daigneault's rotation as a reliable shooter.
He connected on 39% of his three-point attempts for Oklahoma City last season. With the back end of the Thunder rotation reshaped and championship hopes still open, working out with SGA is both a developmental perk and a public signal of buy-in.
For a young guard who endured a rocky stretch in Philadelphia, summer reps with the reigning MVP face of the franchise matter. McCain's next step is turning that offseason chemistry into consistent production when camp opens.