OKC's surprise Jared McCain trade is a bleak reality check the Spurs must swallow

This is just the reality for Spurs Nation over the next decade or so. OKC has so many assets that they're going to pull off moves that you don't see coming, as they just did with Jared McCain. The defending champions just moved a few draft picks that they don't really need in a deal with Philly, bolstering their young guard depth and making them that much more of a problem.

We'll see how impactful McCain is this season. He was the favorite to win the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year award over everyone, including Stephon Castle, before he suffered a torn meniscus that ended his campaign. The sophomore missed the start of this year, and he's only playing 17 minutes per game right now, but he's also shooting 38% 3PT.

Some sprinkled minutes from an energetic player who can shoot is the exact kind of depth piece the Thunder doesn't need to obtain right now. It's only going to make everyone else's life hell, but it's really just the beginning of what will evolve into a repetitive story.

The Thunder are always going to have the option to upgrade

Sam Presti learned a little too much from his time with the Spurs because he's been the best GM in basketball ever since he took the position in Oklahoma City. Between their young players and the gross amount of first- and second-round picks in their arsenal, there won't really be a time when they're completely out of options.

The Spurs have built up a similar trove of assets to flip to remain as competitive as anyone, and having a 7'5" alien on your team will certainly be an advantage nobody else can tout. But even all-time great players can be taken down by all-time great teams. LeBron James learned that the hard way several times throughout his career.

The Silver and Black just have to be prepared to bob when the Thunder weaves and so on and so forth over the next 10+ years. There's going to be a lot of this, and if they're making moves, it's because they see a flaw. San Antonio would be wise to counter with a move of their own. The window is open now.