A familiar face returns to Louisiana to suit up for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Former LSU Tiger forward Trendon Watford heads to the Big Easy after signing a one-year deal worth $2.9 million. This was the latest of a few low-key deals by the Pels front office.
Watford is a 6’8″, 237 lb forward who formerly played for the LSU Tigers in college for two seasons, beginning in 2019. He would go undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft before signing a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland was where Watford called home for two seasons, putting up 7.5 points on over 50% shooting and securing about four rebounds per game in a reserve role. In the 2023 offseason, the Birmingham, Alabama native signed with the Brooklyn Nets, where he spent two more years. In 2024, Watford averaged a career-high 10.2 in 44 games. Then, last season, Watford went to the Philadelphia 76ers and put up 6.5 points, 3.3 boards, and 2.5 assists in 16 minutes per game in 53 games.
Watford has at least some starting experience, making it in the opening lineup 37 times out of 270 games. He also gives depth to a New Orleans frontcourt that was lacking in that department. Watford sits behind, at minimum, Zion Williamson and Derik Queen on the depth chart.