After a rather long wait, the Philadelphia 76ers have finally decided that it is time to get into the action, signing free agent forward Trendon Watford to a two-year, $5.3 million deal as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 76ers presumably spent the first few fours of free agency looking for ways to free up cap space to bring back Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele, their priority targets, but have not made any tangible moves before bringing Watford into the fold. Now, the front office has kickstarted what could ultimately prove to be an active period for the front office.
In Watford, Philadelphia will be ushering in a high-energy tweener whom fans will definitely appreciate thanks to his hustle and impressive intangibles. In fact, this could end up being the best move yet in this year’s free agency.
The 76ers get a good one with free agent forward Trendon Watford
Watford spent the last couple of years with the Brooklyn Nets, serving as one of their go-to players off the bench. Last season, he averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in just 20.8 minutes per game.
A 6’9” forward, Watford can play both forward positions while also being capable of functioning as a small-ball center. With Yabusele’s fate still up in the air, this is a perfect signing for the 76ers, and fills an actual need with the team still lacking rangier bodies at forward.
As constructed, the 76ers only have Paul George, Kelly Oubre, and Justin Edwards who can play the forward positions on a full-time basis. Of course, George is an injury-prone player and has become a nightly gamble, whereas Oubre could find himself on the move with his expiring deal and the team’s need for a more solid perimeter presence.
Even better, the 76ers did not have to break the bank to lure Watford in. This is most likely a veteran’s minimum signing, and should not affect their ability to re-sign Yabusele, who is still eyed by the front office as a solution to their front court woes, although most signs point to the Frenchman heading elsewhere for greener pastures following this news.
It may have taken a while, but the Philadelphia 76ers certainly did not waste everyone’s time with this sleek addition. And just like that, Daryl Morey did it again with what could be the best move of the free agency thus far.