Hornets Trade Veteran Guard Tyus Jones to Mavericks

The deal opens a $7 million trade exception for Charlotte.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:15pm

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The Charlotte Hornets have traded newly-acquired guard Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for guard Malaki Branham, according to ESPN. The move opens up a $7 million trade exception for the Hornets.

Why it matters

This trade allows the Hornets to clear some salary cap space and acquire a younger player in Branham, who has shown promise in his limited NBA action so far. For the Mavericks, Jones provides veteran backcourt depth as they push for a playoff spot.

The details

Tyus Jones, a 29-year-old guard, had just been traded from the Orlando Magic to the Hornets for cash considerations. He was averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 assists in 48 games (8 starts) for the Magic this season. In his 11-year NBA career, Jones has played for five different teams and has career averages of 7.4 points and 4.3 assists per game. Malaki Branham, a 22-year-old guard, was recently traded from the Washington Wizards to the Mavericks as part of the Anthony Davis deal. He was averaging 4.6 points in 28 games off the bench for the Wizards this season.

  • The trade was completed on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Tyus Jones

A 29-year-old veteran guard who has played 11 seasons in the NBA for five different teams.

Malaki Branham

A 22-year-old guard who was recently traded from the Washington Wizards to the Dallas Mavericks.

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The takeaway

This trade allows both the Hornets and Mavericks to address needs on their respective rosters, with Charlotte clearing cap space and Dallas adding veteran backcourt depth as they push for a playoff spot.