The Philadelphia 76ers made their first move in free agency by bringing in Trendon Watford on a reported 2-year $5.3 million deal. It is a good value signing for Philadelphia as it continues to build a roster around its Big 3.
Watford averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets and will look to bring his scoring and versatility to Philadelphia in an effort to help the Sixers bounce back from a miserable 24-58 season. He can do a lot of things on the floor and should become a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
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In an effort to get to know Watford, here is a look at what he brings to the table:
Watford’s profile and career thus far
Mar 16, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) dunks the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Standing at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Watford has spent four seasons in the league after going undrafted out of LSU in 2021. He spent two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and two with the Nets before joining Philadelphia on the deal. He has career averages of 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 52% from the floor and 34.9% from deep in 217 games played in the league. He took steps forward as a member of the Nets as he averaged career highs in points and minutes in the 2024-25 season.
Watford on offense
Feb 20, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) passes the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and forward Evan Mobley (4) defend during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Watford is a capable shooter, but the 3-point shot isn’t his game. He uses his size and strength to put the ball on the floor and convert on herky-jerky looks at the basket to make an impact with his scoring. For example, he scored 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting–all 2-point attempts–in a win over the Sixers on Feb. 12. An underrated area of his game is his playmaking ability. Per Cleaning the Glass, Watford had a 21.1% assist percentage in 2024-25 which stands in the 92nd percentile. The 2.6 assists he averaged for the Nets were a career high for him and a number that he can continue to grow in Philadelphia with the talented offensive players around him. He brings a lot of help on the wing which is an area the Sixers can always use help in as they move forward.
Watford on defense
Feb 7, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) is guarded by Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Watford is a versatile defender who can take on a lot of different matchups. Listed at 6-foot-9, he can take on bigger forwards using his size and strength to make a difference on that end. He also has the wingspan to switch out on perimeter players and make life tough on them and he rebounds well for his position. He is a dog on this end of the floor and sets the tone with his energy, hustle, and competitiveness. That is a big help for the Sixers.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Get to know new Sixers addition Trendon Watford after free agency deal