The Dallas Mavericks have completed a trade to acquire guard Tyus Jones from the Charlotte Hornets, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. In exchange, the Mavericks sent Malaki Branham to the Hornets, a player who had recently joined Dallas during the Anthony Davis trade.
Strengthening Their Duke Alumni Presence on the Team
This acquisition increases the number of former Duke Blue Devils on the Mavericks’ roster to five, joining Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Marvin Bagley III. Bagley was added earlier through an eight-player deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
“The Charlotte Hornets are trading Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks for Malaki Branham, sources tell ESPN. Mavericks have had interest in Jones this season and get him today. Hornets open up a $7 million trade exception.” ?Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Financial Details and Roster Strategy
The Mavericks will assume Jones’ one-year contract worth $7 million. This addition comes shortly after Dallas reduced their salary commitments by roughly $70 million for the upcoming season, following the Davis transaction on February 4. The deadline for NBA trades closed on February 5 at 2 p.m. CT.
With these recent moves, the Mavericks’ front office has focused on acquiring draft assets and youthful talent to complement franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg, aiming to build a competitive roster for the future.
The Charlotte Hornets are trading Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks for Malaki Branham, sources tell ESPN. Mavericks have had interest in Jones this season and get him today. Hornets open up a $7 million trade exception.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
The Mavs shed about $70M from their payroll next season and add a couple of future picks.
This trade for the Mavs is about prioritizing flexibility as they build around Cooper Flagg. https://t.co/1JH8YHYWTp
— Tim MacMahon (@BannedMacMahon) February 4, 2026
