Watford to Pelicans
Trendon Watford Agrees to One-Year Deal with Pelicans, Opting to Stay in NBA
Key Points
Watford publicly denied reports that he planned to move overseas to Valencia Basket, opting to stay in the NBA with the Pelicans for what will be his sixth season.
In his last season with Philadelphia, Watford appeared in 53 games, started 7, and averaged 16.3 minutes per game with 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Watford notched his first career NBA triple-double with a line of 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists.
The 76ers declined Watford's contract option for the 2026-27 season, making the Pelicans deal a low-risk pickup for New Orleans.
Two-way signees Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker were noted as outperforming Watford in comparable roles last season.
Trendon Watford is heading to New Orleans. The 25-year-old forward agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Pelicans, according to NBC Sports. The contract brings New Orleans to a full 15-man roster heading into the 2025-26 season.
The move ends speculation about Watford's future. He had been linked to overseas options, including Spanish club Valencia Basket. But Watford denied those reports and chose to stay in the NBA for his sixth professional season, per Pelican Debrief.
A Productive Season in Philadelphia Despite Limited Role
Watford spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He appeared in 53 games, starting 7, and averaged 16.3 minutes per game. His stat line — 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists — was solid for a bench player, according to Liberty Ballers.
The highlight of his Philadelphia run came when he recorded his first career NBA triple-double. He put up 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in a single game. That performance showed just how much he can do when given the chance.
Three-Point Shooting Kept Him From a Bigger Role
Watford's biggest weakness is shooting from deep. He went just 10 of 50 on three-pointers last season — a 20% clip. That struggles from beyond the arc made it hard for Philadelphia to count on him as a consistent starter, per Liberty Ballers.
The 76ers ultimately declined his option for the 2026-27 season, making him a free agent. Two-way players Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker outperformed Watford in similar roles last season. Still, his versatility and experience made him an attractive low-risk pickup for New Orleans.
Pelicans Get Cheap, Experienced Depth With No Long-Term Risk
New Orleans sees Watford as a depth piece and insurance policy. Pelican Debrief called the deal a "perfect insurance policy" for a team with a demanding schedule ahead. At just $2.9 million for one year, the Pelicans take on almost no financial risk.
Watford can play multiple positions and contribute in several ways — scoring, rebounding and playmaking. That makes him a useful option off the bench. New Orleans now has 15 roster spots filled as it prepares for the 2025-26 season, per NBC Sports.
A Homecoming of Sorts for the Alabama Native
The signing also carries a regional connection. Watford grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and played college basketball at LSU from 2019 to 2021, according to WAFB. New Orleans is just a short drive from Baton Rouge, where he built his college name.
For Watford, the deal keeps his NBA career alive and brings him close to familiar ground. For the Pelicans, it adds a seasoned forward who knows how to contribute in multiple ways — without locking the team into a long-term commitment.
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