Trendon Watford

Watford is an American forward who reached the NBA through the undrafted free-agent route after a decorated two-year career at LSU. A five-star recruit who led Mountain Brook to three consecutive state championships, he has established himself as a versatile big man with playmaking ability and interior presence.

Born Trendon Nelson Watford on November 9, 2000, he began his high school career at Shades Valley High School in Alabama before moving to Mountain Brook. He holds the Alabama High School Athletic Association career rebounding record and led Mountain Brook to three consecutive Class 7A state championships from 2017 to 2019. He committed to LSU on May 20, 2019.

At LSU, Watford scored 10 points in his debut against Bowling Green and recorded his first double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds against UMBC on November 19, 2019. He scored a career-high 22 points against Texas on January 25, 2020, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds. He returned for his sophomore season and averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds before declaring for the 2021 NBA draft and hiring an agent.

After going undrafted in 2021, Watford signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on August 3, 2021. His contract was converted to a standard deal on February 21, 2022. On March 12, 2022, he scored a career-high 27 points against Washington. On July 17, 2022, he led Portland to the Summer League championship and was named Championship Game MVP. He was also named to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.

Watford was waived by Portland on June 30, 2023, and signed with the Brooklyn Nets on August 3, 2023. He re-signed with Brooklyn on July 9, 2024, and signed a two-year, $5.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 2, 2025. On November 8, 2025, he recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, ten assists, and 17 rebounds in a win over Toronto.

Watford functions as a versatile big man with playmaking vision, interior scoring, and rebounding instincts. His LSU tenure showcased a player capable of facilitating for others from the forward position. In the NBA, his development centers on three-point consistency, defensive versatility, and providing interior depth with playmaking flair in reserve frontcourt units.