Pelicans Land Massive Steal: Watford Signs $2.9M Bargain Deal
Trendon Watford Signs with New Orleans Pelicans: What You Need to Know
Breaking News: New Deal Announced
On August 17, 2026, ESPN reported that free agent forward Trendon Watford has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. This move comes late in the NBA offseason and adds depth to the Pelicans’ roster.
IMPORTANT POINT: This is a one-year deal, meaning Watford will become a free agent again next summer unless he signs an extension.
Who Is Trendon Watford?
Trendon Watford is a 25-year-old forward entering his sixth NBA season. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Position: Forward
- Age: 25
- NBA Experience: 5 seasons completed, entering 6th
- Previous Team: Philadelphia 76ers (2025-26 season)
- New Team: New Orleans Pelicans (2026-27 season)
The Backstory: Why He Left Philadelphia
In June 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers had a decision to make about Watford’s contract. Here’s what happened:
- Team Option Existed: The 76ers held a $2.8 million team option for the 2026-27 season
- Option Declined: Philadelphia chose not to pick up that option
- Result: Watford became an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team
- New Opportunity: He ultimately chose the New Orleans Pelicans
IMPORTANT POINT: A "team option" means the team decides whether to keep the player for that salary. When declined, the player hits the open market.
Last Season’s Performance: The Good and The Challenging
Strengths & Highlights
Watford showed he can be a versatile contributor in 2025-26:
- Solid All-Around Averages:
- 6.5 points per game
- 3.3 rebounds per game
- 2.5 assists per game
- Historic Night: Recorded his first career triple-double with:
- 20 points
- 17 rebounds (career-high)
- 10 assists (career-high)
- Two-Way Player: Contributes on both offense and defense
Area for Improvement
- Three-Point Shooting Struggles:
- Went 10-for-50 from beyond the arc
- 20% shooting percentage from three-point range
- This is well below the NBA average (~36%)
IMPORTANT POINT: A triple-double means reaching double digits (10+) in three statistical categories—typically points, rebounds, and assists—in a single game. It’s a rare and impressive achievement!
Why New Orleans? The Fit Makes Sense
Watford considered multiple options but chose the Pelicans because:
- Productive Role: He can contribute immediately as a two-way player
- Timing: Signed late in the offseason when most rosters are set
- Opportunity: Chance to prove himself on a new team heading into Year 6
What This Means for the Pelicans
For New Orleans:
- Depth Addition: Adds a versatile forward who can play multiple positions
- Low Risk: One-year deal at near-minimum salary
- Upside Potential: If Watford improves his shooting, he becomes a steal
For Watford:
- Fresh Start: New system, new opportunity
- Prove-It Year: Chance to earn a bigger contract next summer
- Playoff Contender: Joins a team with playoff aspirations
Summary
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Trendon Watford |
| New Team | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Contract | 1 year, $2.9 million |
| Age | 25 |
| Experience | Entering 6th NBA season |
| Previous Team | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2025-26 Stats | 6.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG |
| Notable Achievement | First career triple-double (20/17/10) |
| Main Weakness | 3PT shooting (20% on 50 attempts) |
| Signing Date | August 17, 2026 |
Bottom Line: The Pelicans added a young, versatile forward on a low-risk, one-year deal. Watford gets a fresh start and a chance to prove his triple-double wasn’t a fluke—especially if he can fix his three-point shot.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "free agent" mean?
A free agent is a player whose contract has expired (or was declined, like Watford’s) and is free to negotiate and sign with any team without restrictions.
What’s a "team option"?
A team option is a contract clause where the team decides whether to keep the player for an additional year at a predetermined salary. If they say "no," the player becomes a free agent.
How rare is a triple-double?
Very rare! In the 2025-26 season, only a handful of players recorded even one triple-double. It requires elite all-around performance in a single game.
Is 20% from three-point range really that bad?
Yes. The NBA league average is typically around 35-36%. At 20% on 50 attempts, defenses don’t respect his shot, which clogs the paint for teammates. Improving this is his #1 priority.
Can the Pelicans keep him after this year?
Absolutely. They can:
- Negotiate a new contract next summer
- Offer a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent (matching rights)
- Let him walk if it doesn’t work out
The one-year deal gives both sides flexibility.