Trendon Watford’s Watford trend has taken him to New Orleans. After reportedly nearing a move overseas, the former Philadelphia 76ers forward is set to sign a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans before training camp.
The move keeps Watford in the NBA and gives New Orleans another versatile forward as it looks ahead to a tough 2025-26 season. Watford appeared in 53 games with the Philadelphia 76ers and averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists, showing the kind of all-around production that can help a team in a variety of roles.
What Watford brings to New Orleans
Watford has built a reputation as a productive, flexible player who can contribute in more than one area. That matters for a team that is trying to piece together reliable rotation options before the season begins. His size and skill set should give New Orleans some lineup versatility, even if the role is still to be determined.
For Watford, the deal is also a straightforward answer to a free-agency question that had started to point in another direction. His player option was declined, he entered free agency, and there were reports that he was nearing a deal to play overseas. Instead, he will remain in the NBA and get another chance to carve out a role with New Orleans.
Why the move matters
This is a small contract, but it is a meaningful one. A one-year deal gives Watford a clear opportunity to prove he belongs in an NBA rotation, while the Pelicans get a low-risk addition who has already shown he can produce when given minutes.
Watford’s last season with Philadelphia offered a useful snapshot of what he can provide. The scoring, rebounding and playmaking numbers were modest, but they reflected a player who can impact a game in more than one way. That kind of profile can be valuable for a team trying to build depth and stability ahead of training camp.
For now, the headline is simple: Watford is staying in the NBA, and New Orleans is getting a forward who brings experience, production and flexibility at a manageable price.
