Mar 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The Sixers are signing former Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford to a two-year deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The deal will pay out $5.3 million, suggesting that the annual value is the veteran minimum.
Because this is a two-year minimum, the entire value will go on the Sixers' salary sheet. The cap sheet relief that exists for a one-year minimum does not exist for a two-year minimum.
So, if we're correct in saying that the Sixers are using a minimum exception here, Watford will get $2,461,461 in 2025-26 and $2,934,738 in 2026-27.
That means they will have less than the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception available as they shop this summer. However, because using that exception would've severely restricted them at the first apron, you could reasonably believe they never intended on using the non-taxpayer mid-level anyway.
They still have access to the full taxpayer mid-level exception, as well as veteran minimums.
Watford averaged 10 points per game with the Nets last season. Most encouraging is that he attempted a career-high volume of free throws. So he was more aggressive going to the rim.
While Watford is not an ambitious three-point shooter, he did rank on the 92nd percentiles in both usage and assist rates last season, per Cleaning The Glass. So, he can spear-head some possessions with the ball in his hands.
Aside from having the requisite size to fill a need for Philadelphia, Watford, 24, has age on his side to make you believe there's upside. He's also demonstrated some skills worth investing in.
In agreeing to a deal with Watford, the Sixers are on the board on the first night of free agency.
