The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million contract with free-agent forward Trendon Watford, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday. Watford considered multiple options before choosing New Orleans, adding a versatile frontcourt piece to a team coming off a 26-56 season.

Watford spent the 2025-26 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 53 games while shooting 51.5% from the field. His 20.0-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in November was the standout performance of his Philadelphia season.

The 25-year-old has averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 270 career NBA games. He has shot 51.9% from the field over five seasons, although his three-point shooting has remained inconsistent at 32.5% for his career.

Watford’s offensive versatility could fit New Orleans’ frontcourt rotation. He has produced at least 2.0 assists per game in four of his five NBA seasons, including 2.5 last season, while his 56.9% career two-point shooting gives him an efficient option inside the arc.

The Pelicans enter the season under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, who was hired to replace the coaching staff after New Orleans finished 26-56 and 11th in the Western Conference. Mosley has emphasized defense as the foundation of his approach.

Watford now joins a roster led by Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey and Herbert Jones. Williamson averaged 21.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 62 games last season, while Murphy averaged 21.5 points and 5.7 rebounds and shot 37.9% from three.

New Orleans also has young frontcourt players Derik Queen and Yves Missi. Queen averaged 11.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in his rookie season, while Missi posted 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 66 games.

Watford’s arrival gives Mosley another forward capable of handling multiple offensive responsibilities without requiring high usage. His career-best season came in 2024-25 with Brooklyn, when he averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 44 games.