Charlotte NC, February 5, 2026
In a strategic move to enhance their playoff chances, the Charlotte Hornets have made significant roster changes by acquiring Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. from the Chicago Bulls, along with guard Tyus Jones from the Orlando Magic. These trades are part of a complex three-team deal involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and signal the Hornets’ intent to reinforce their position as they approach the NBA trade deadline. The additions of these skilled guards are expected to boost the team’s offensive capabilities as they aim for a playoff push.
Charlotte – The Charlotte Hornets significantly bolstered their roster in the past 48 hours, executing a series of interconnected transactions that culminated in the acquisition of former University of North Carolina standout Coby White from the Chicago Bulls. In a separate, equally impactful move, the team also secured guard Tyus Jones from the Orlando Magic. These strategic additions occurred on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, ahead of the NBA trade deadline, signaling the Hornets’ clear intent to strengthen their position for a playoff push.
Hornets Acquire Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. in Complex Three-Team Deal
The primary transaction saw the Hornets bring Coby White, a highly regarded guard, and veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. to Charlotte. This intricate deal involved three teams: the Charlotte Hornets, the Chicago Bulls, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Details of the White-Conley Acquisition
To acquire White and Conley, the Hornets sent guard Collin Sexton, forward Ousmane Dieng, and three future second-round draft picks to the Chicago Bulls. The journey of Ousmane Dieng to the Bulls was itself a two-step process for Charlotte. The Hornets first acquired Dieng and a second-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for center Mason Plumlee. Dieng was then immediately rerouted to Chicago as part of the package for White and Conley.
Coby White’s Return to North Carolina
The acquisition of Coby White marks a homecoming for the Goldsboro, North Carolina native. White was a standout at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he earned a reputation as a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the Tar Heels. He was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. White also holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s career high school scoring leader.
White’s Performance and Fit with the Hornets
This season, White has been averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. He has maintained a 34.6% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 20.4 points per game. While he has recently managed a right calf injury, causing him to miss some games in January 2026, his overall performance demonstrates his significant offensive capabilities. His addition is expected to provide substantial scoring and playmaking support, particularly when franchise star LaMelo Ball is not on the court.
Veteran Presence in Mike Conley Jr.
Joining White is Mike Conley Jr., a seasoned 19-year veteran known for his leadership and postseason experience. Conley, an NBA All-Star in the 2020-21 season, averaged 4.4 points per game this season. He spent less than 24 hours with the Chicago Bulls after being acquired by them in an earlier trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, before being rerouted to Charlotte.
Hornets Make Another Key Backcourt Addition
In a separate and distinct trade, the Hornets further solidified their backcourt by acquiring guard Tyus Jones and two additional second-round draft picks (2027 and 2028) from the Orlando Magic. This transaction involved the Hornets sending cash considerations to Orlando, a move that helped the Magic manage their salary cap by getting under the luxury tax threshold.
Impact on the Hornets’ Season
These significant roster changes come as the Hornets are experiencing a notable turnaround in their season. With a current record of 23-28, Charlotte has recently won seven consecutive games. The team is now only one game behind the final play-in tournament spot, a position currently held by the Bulls. The additions of White and Jones are anticipated to boost the team’s offense and overall depth, positioning the Hornets to make a strong push for a playoff berth.
Key Features of Charlotte Hornets’ Recent Trades
| Player Acquired | From Team | Hornets Sent | Key Player Statistics (2025-26 Season) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coby White | Chicago Bulls | Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, 3 future second-round picks (via Bulls) | 18.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.7 RPG, 34.6% 3P% | Former UNC Tar Heels standout, Goldsboro native. Acquired as part of a three-team deal involving OKC (for Ousmane Dieng initially). |
| Mike Conley Jr. | Chicago Bulls | Part of the package for Coby White | 4.4 PPG | 19-year veteran, 2020-21 NBA All-Star, provides leadership and postseason experience. |
| Tyus Jones | Orlando Magic | Cash considerations | (Specific 2025-26 stats not provided in search results) | Acquired with 2 second-round picks (2027, 2028) in a separate trade. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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