Pelicans Steal Trendon Watford on $2.9M Bargain Deal
Trendon Watford Signs with New Orleans Pelicans: What You Need to Know
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine you’re really good at basketball, and a professional team wants you to play for them. That’s exactly what happened to Trendon Watford! He just agreed to play for the New Orleans Pelicans for one year and will earn $2.9 million. Pretty cool, right?
Who Is Trendon Watford?
Quick Player Profile
- Age: 25 years old
- Position: Forward (think of a player who can score near the basket AND pass well)
- Experience: Starting his 6th season in the NBA
- Previous Team: Philadelphia 76ers
What Happened With His Old Team?
Here’s the timeline of events:
- June 2026: The Philadelphia 76ers had a choice – they could keep Watford for $2.8 million next season
- The Decision: The 76ers said "no thanks" and declined his option
- Free Agency: This made Watford a free agent – meaning he could talk to ANY team
- New Home: He chose the New Orleans Pelicans!
How Did He Play Last Season?
Watford had some really great moments and some areas to improve:
The Good Stuff
- Solid all-around numbers: 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game
- Historic night: Got his first career triple-double!
- 20 points
- 17 rebounds (career high!)
- 10 assists (career high!)
- Versatile player: Can score, rebound, AND pass – that’s rare!
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Three-point shooting struggles: Only made 10 out of 50 attempts (that’s 20%)
- For comparison: The NBA average is usually around 35-36%
What’s a Triple-Double?
When a player gets double-digit numbers (10 or more) in THREE different stat categories in one game. Usually points, rebounds, and assists. It’s like getting an A+ in three different subjects on the same test!
Why Did He Choose the Pelicans?
Watford had multiple teams interested in him, but he picked New Orleans because:
- Good fit: He can be a "productive two-way player" – meaning he helps on offense AND defense
- Timing: Signed "late into the offseason" – teams usually fill their rosters earlier, so this was a nice late addition
- Opportunity: Chance to prove himself on a new team
What Does This Mean for the Pelicans?
| What They Get | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Versatile forward | Can play multiple positions |
| Playmaking ability | 2.5 assists per game for a forward is nice |
| Rebounding | Career-high 17 rebounds shows he can crash the boards |
| Low risk | Only 1 year, $2.9M – not a huge commitment |
| Room to grow | At 25, he’s entering his prime years |
Summary
Trendon Watford, a 25-year-old forward entering his 6th NBA season, signed a 1-year, $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans after the Philadelphia 76ers declined his option. Last season he averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, and even recorded a spectacular triple-double (20 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists). His main weakness is three-point shooting (only 20%), but his versatility makes him a valuable "two-way" addition for New Orleans at a very reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "declined his option" mean?
Think of it like a subscription renewal. The 76ers had the option to keep Watford for $2.8M next year. They chose not to renew that subscription, making him free to sign elsewhere.
Is $2.9 million a lot for an NBA player?
Not really! The average NBA salary is around $10+ million. For a backup/rotation player, $2.9M is considered a very team-friendly, low-risk deal.
What’s a "two-way player"?
Someone who contributes on both offense AND defense. Not just a scorer, but also someone who guards the other team’s best players, gets rebounds, and makes smart plays.
Can he improve his three-point shooting?
Absolutely! He’s only 25. Many players develop their shot in their mid-20s. If he gets to even 30-33%, he becomes much more valuable.
What’s a "rotation player"?
NBA teams usually play 8-10 players regularly (the "rotation"). Watford will likely be player #8, #9, or #10 – getting 15-20 minutes per game off the bench.
Article based on ESPN reporting from August 17, 2026