Charlotte adds backcourt experience with trade for Tyus Jones from Magic
The The Charlotte Hornets are still active on the trading market. Earlier in the day, they sent Colin Sexton, Usman Dieng and three second-round picks to the Chicago Bulls for Kobe White and Mike Conley — giving them some extra punch off the bench. But they aren’t done making moves yet if they trade for Tyus Jones is any indication.
On Wednesday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported it The Hornets acquired Jones and two second-round picks Orlando Magic due to cash considerations. This is nothing more than a salary swap for the Magic as they continue to move and maneuver around their clogged player payroll while Charlotte receives additional draft assets to take advantage of the vacated space on their roster.
It’s not entirely clear if Jones will stick with the Hornets, as he likely won’t be in the rotation for Charlotte since he’ll be behind LaMelo Ball and White on the depth chart. Tre Mann and Zion James are also more than capable of providing backup point guard minutes for the Hornets.
Maybe it is The Hornets will give Jones the Conley treatment also, buying out his contract to give him the freedom to sign with any team he chooses.
The Hornets are making some brilliant moves before the trade deadline
White may be an upcoming free agent, but he’s a much better shooter and ball handler than Sexton. He also fits this young core, and he is a year younger than the man he replaces.
The Hornets also used their cap space well, acquiring assets like Dieng and a second-round pick for Mason Plumlee, who was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder. They then flipped Dieng to the Bulls in a trade for White, and in all, made up for the three second-round picks they gave up for White in other deals they made (one from OKC, two from the Magic).
These are moves that may not move the needle, but are still solid moves for a team on an upward trajectory.
2026-02-05 03:32:00
