Free agent forward Trendon Watford will join the Pelicans on a one-year, $2.9MM contract, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter link). Watford considered multiple options before choosing New Orleans, Charania adds.

A report earlier this month stated that Watford was in “advanced negotiations” to join Valencia Basket in the EuroLeague. However, he was able to land the NBA opportunity and will return with his fourth team in six seasons.

After spending two years in Portland and two more in Brooklyn, Watford signed a multi-year deal with the Sixers last summer that included a $2.8MM team option for 2026/27. He became a free agent when Philadelphia declined that option in late June.

Watford had a fringe rotation role last season, appearing in 53 games (seven starts) and averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 16.3 minutes per night. It was the lowest scoring season of his career and marked a significant drop after he averaged 10.2 PPG with the Nets the previous year.

Watford is the first significant offseason addition for the Pelicans, who have been in the midst of a quiet summer so far. He brings New Orleans up to 15 players on standard contracts.

More to come …