Malaki Branham
Breakdown
Performance
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February 5, 2026
Now moving to Charlotte
The Mavericks are trading Branham to the Hornets in exchange for Tyus Jones on Thursday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
It's a simple one-for-one swap that offers both sides their preferred backcourt depth option. Branham, who was just moved to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis (finger) trade Wednesday, should slot into a similar position he held with the Wizards earlier this year. Branham averaged 9.9 minutes per game over 28 regular-season appearances for Washington.
February 4, 2026
Traded to Dallas
The Wizards traded Branham, Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley, two first-round picks and three second-round picks to the Mavericks on Wednesday in exchange for Anthony Davis (finger), Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell (illness) and Dante Exum (knee), Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
After being traded from San Antonio to Washington this past offseason, Branham will now join the Mavericks. The 2022 first-rounder is on an expiring contract and will provide backcourt depth for Dallas. He's set to be a restricted free agent this summer. Branham averaged 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per game over 28 regular-season appearances with the Wizards in 2025-26. Branham can be considered doubtful for Thursday's game against the Spurs while the trade finalizes.
January 31, 2026
Paces Washington in blowout loss
Branham supplied 17 points (6-9 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and one rebound in 22 minutes during Friday's 142-111 loss to the Lakers.
Analysis
Branham has played an inconsistent role so far this season but saw an uptick in minutes Friday with multiple key contributors sidelined for the second leg of Washington's back-to-back set. The 22-year-old guard made the most of his increased playing time in the blowout loss, finishing as Washington's leading scorer with a season-high 17 points. The 2022 first-rounder has seen the court in four straight games, during which he has averaged 7.3 points and 1.5 rebounds across 11.5 minutes per game.