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Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.
When the Philadelphia 76ers cut ties with Cam Payne ahead of Friday’s action against the Indiana Pacers, fans instantly remembered who he replaced when he signed.
The infamous Jared McCain trade is once again remembered.
The Sixers waived the 31-year-old guard, who was back with the team for a second stint. The decision came after it was realized that Payne wouldn’t have a chance to compete in the Sixers’ upcoming postseason run.
The veteran guard suffered a hamstring injury, which landed him a multi-week recovery timeline. Maybe Payne could’ve returned to the lineup during the first round of a playoff series, but the Sixers are likely to land a Play-In spot next week.
The Sixers Announce Cam Payne’s Departure
Payne leaves the Sixers after seeing the court for 22 games.
During his time with the 76ers, Payne played 17.0 minutes per game. He shot 37.6% from the field, producing 7.4 points per game, and dished out 2.6 assists per game.
Payne took up Jared McCain’s roster spot after the 76ers traded the second-year guard to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, they used Payne’s spot as a way to promote the two-way guard, Dalen Terry.
76ers Fans React To The Cam Payne Cut
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 10: Dalen Terry #14 dumps water on Cameron Payne #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers after the 139-129 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Here’s how fans reacted to the initial announcement on X:
Heroinmaven69: So they’re just admitting they f***** I’ll with the McCain trade
Justaburnerer: Some people really said said payne was better than McCain…
BmStierstorfer: Organizational malpractice
SheintochM: Sure wish we had some shooting on the team this year…
Freakyleeky: Now yall waive him? Fire Morey man
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 27: Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Sixers Reddit had similar reactions:
Snips_Tano: I mean…this is kind of why you have guys like McCain on the bench, no, Morey?
RichieD79: Good thing we have another guard who is on a rookie deal waiting on the bench! …aww damn it. LOL.
Anxious_North_819: Don’t worry we can just have McCain fill in for him.
NickyNickyNickyNicky: I mean the McCain thing was clearly a blunder and they don’t want to admit it.
The Jared McCain Trade Is Remembered Once Again
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Amid his second season with the Sixers, Jared McCain was moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline.
The 22-year-old former first-round pick was a fan favorite. When he was moved to the defending NBA Champions for a 2026 first-round pick and multiple future second-round picks, Sixers fans impatiently waited for a follow-up move.
With the franchise’s superstar center, Joel Embiid, urging the Sixers to make win-now moves at the trade deadline, shipping out a young prospect with high upside and experience for draft assets didn’t make much sense.
But there wasn’t a follow-up. Therefore, the Sixers’ front offie left many fans disgruntled. Payne was the replacement for McCain. Now, he’s a free agent.
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Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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