Trendon Watford was one of the best under-the-radar acquisitions in free agency just last year when the Philadelphia 76ers snagged him for dirt cheap. One season later, he has suddenly become a complete afterthought on the open market. After the team parted ways with him by declining his team option for next season, there has been a dearth of news about where he could be headed next.
Watford remains a free agent after spending time with Philly
LeBron James' free agency spectacle has basically halted the progress in most transaction tables, but with Watford, it goes deeper than just that. Not a lot of teams have multiple roster spots available at this juncture, and with some front offices preferring to keep open ones for in-season moves, the former Sixer could very well kickstart the 2026-27 circuit without a team.
Of course, all is not lost with Watford. After all, he is only 25 years old and has good size for a forward. Players like him who are willing to do the dirty work while being a heady playmaker for his position are relatively rare, even today. But for now, the market seems to have dried up for him, which is quite puzzling given his skill set.
Watford showed plenty of potential with the 76ers
Last season, Watford averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per outing despite playing just 16.3 minutes a night. He was arguably the team's most versatile piece on the roster, with Nick Nurse and the coaching staff deploying him in various configurations and playing him in different positions to fit the team's needs.
Watford's complete lack of 3-point shooting, however, greatly limited his minutes ceiling. He shot just 20 percent from beyond the arc, and his attempts were few and far between. It almost seemed like he was too afraid to fire away from downtown, and it ultimately cost him an actual role when it mattered the most.
Still, there is a lot to like about what Watford can bring to the table. There are not a lot of forwards off the bench who are capable of functioning as a table-setter like him. His rebounding and defensive acuity are likewise nothing to scoff at.
For a fraction of the price, teams could snag Watford and add an uber-versatile stud to their squads. Hopefully, that is how his free agency saga, which is close to hitting rock bottom at this juncture, ends.
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