We sort of wondered why the Charlotte Hornets traded for two point guards at the last minute, but now we know: they’re sending former Duke guard Tyus Jones to Dallas.
The Charlotte Hornets have made a surprise move, trading veteran guard Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks just hours after acquiring him from the Orlando Magic. In exchange, the Hornets received young guard Malaki Branham, who was part of the Anthony Davis trade to the Washington Wizards.
Jones, 29, had a quiet season with the Magic, averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 assists in 48 games. Despite this, he’s a proven playmaker with 11 seasons of NBA experience, having played for five organizations. The Mavericks are hoping he’ll provide veteran presence and help mentor rookie Cooper Flagg. Branham, 22, is a young scorer who can contribute off the bench, averaging 4.6 points in 28 games for the Wizards this season. He shot 47.3% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the 3-point arc.
The trade opens up a $7 million trade exception for the Hornets, giving them flexibility to make future moves. It’s seen as a win-win for both teams, with Dallas getting a solid veteran guard and Charlotte acquiring a young talent.
The Mavericks are looking to bolster their backcourt with Jones’ addition, especially with Kyrie Irving missing the entire season due to an ACL tear. Jones’ experience and playmaking ability could be valuable assets fo
r the team. The Hornets, on the other hand, are rebuilding and looking to develop their young players. Branham’s addition could provide depth and scoring punch off the bench.
