According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are acquiring Tyus Jones from the Orlando Magic for nothing but cash considerations.
The Orlando Magic are trading Tyus Jones to the Charlotte Hornets for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
But wait, there’s more. Not only did the Magic give away Tyus Jones, they also gave the Hornets two second round picks for helping them duck the luxury tax.
Sources said the Hornets receive two second-round picks from the Magic in this deal, lifting them to 11 first-rounders and 14 second-rounders over the next 7 years. The trade gets Orlando out of the luxury tax. https://t.co/68vfBCaetu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
The Hornets will be getting the least favorable second round pick between the Magic and Celtics in 2027 and the Magic’s second rounder in 2028. As Shams notes, the Hornets now have like a million picks.
Jones has struggled in Orlando this season, but he has a reputation as an old school floor general that can keep a bench unit organized. He takes care of the ball and is a good facilitator. His scoring efficiency has waxed and waned over the course of his career, but the Hornets aren’t bringing him in to score.
Jones adds more bench depth to the Hornets guard rotation, joining the newly acquired Coby White. The signing of Jones means that Mike Conley Jr. is likely to be waived after being acquired in the same trade as White.
The second round picks essentially replenish some of the stock that the Hornets gave up to acquire to White. So on the net, the Hornets come out of the day giving up Mason Plumlee and Collin Sexton for Coby White and Tyus Jones.
I think there’s at least one more move in the cards, probably for a big. Tre Mann and Pat Connaughton would seemingly be on the chopping block with the guard rotation becoming increasingly crowded. More to come tomorrow, probably.