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Sources: Dallas Mavericks Trade For Tyus Jones, Re-Route Malaki Branham To Charlotte Hornets

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
NBA: Tyus Jones looks on during the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Indiana Pacers
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks continued reshaping their roster ahead of Wednesday’s NBA trade deadline, making another move directly tied to their blockbuster Anthony Davis deal.

Dallas has traded Malaki Branham to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran point guard Tyus Jones, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com. Branham had arrived in Dallas just one day earlier as part of the multi-player package that sent Anthony Davis out of the organization.

Dallas Mavericks Add Veteran Point Guard Experience

The move highlights how fluid Dallas’ post-Davis strategy remains. Rather than holding Branham for evaluation, the Mavericks moved decisively, opting to exchange a recently acquired developmental piece for a proven veteran with a long track record of rotational minutes.

Branham appeared in 28 games this season with the Washington Wizards, averaging 4.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 9.8 minutes per game. While his shooting efficiency held up in limited usage, his role fluctuated, and Dallas ultimately viewed him as an asset better leveraged in a secondary deal.

Jones brings a markedly different profile. A former first-round pick out of Duke, Jones was selected 24th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft and has now logged 10 seasons in the league. Over 730 career games, he has averaged 7.4 points and 4.3 assists while establishing a reputation as a steady, low-mistake ball handler.

This season with the Orlando Magic, Jones played primarily off the bench, averaging 3.0 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in 48 appearances. His reduced role followed heavier usage in recent seasons, including starting stretches with Washington and Phoenix, where he averaged double-digit scoring and handled primary playmaking responsibilities.

Tyus Jones Reconnects With Longstanding Dallas Mavericks Interest

League sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Dallas held Jones in high regard before signing D’Angelo Russell in their evaluations. Jones ultimately signed with Orlando after securing a contract that exceeded what Dallas could offer at the time, putting the Mavericks’ interest on hold.

That context makes the deadline move notable. Dallas circled back to a player it had previously identified as a fit, capitalizing once circumstances shifted and an opportunity reopened through a multi-team trade chain.

While Jones’ 2025–26 counting stats are modest, his career profile aligns with the traits Dallas has historically valued at the point guard position: decision-making, pace control, and ball security. Over 11 seasons, Jones has consistently ranked among the league’s most efficient guards in assist-to-turnover ratio, even while toggling between starting and reserve roles.

In the span of 24 hours, the Mavericks acquired Malaki Branham, moved him again, and landed a veteran they had targeted months earlier—another indication that Dallas’ deadline approach is being shaped as much by prior evaluations as by immediate roster needs.

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Tags :Charlotte HornetsDallas MavericksMalaki BranhamNBANBA NewsNBA Trade DeadlineOrlando MagicTyus Jones
Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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