The New Orleans Pelicans are adding a new forward to their fold.
On Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Western Conference franchise has come to terms with former Philadelphia 76ers forward Trendon Watford.
“Free agent F Trendon Watford has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Watford considered multiple options but for New Orleans serves as a productive two-way get late into the offseason after a year in Philadelphia where he notched a 20-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple double in November,” Charania shared on X.
Watford is hardly a name that would register on the radar of most casual NBA fans, but he could be someone who helps move the needle for the Pelicans, who won just 26 games last season.
The former LSU Tigers star who went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Watford most recently saw action for the Philadelphia 76ers, who signed him to a 2-year, $5.26 million contract in 2025. However, the 76ers decided not to pick up their player option on him for the 2026-27 season, paving the way for him to become a free agent.
The 25-year-old Watford spent his first two seasons in the league with the Portland Trail Blazers before playing another two with the Brooklyn Nets.
In 270 games played, Watford has averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists, while shooting 51.9% from the field (32.5% from deep).
