Trendon Nelson Watford Bio
Trendon Nelson Watford is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-8 power forward and small forward played college basketball for the LSU Tigers from 2019 to 2021. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Watford has built a solid professional career spanning three NBA franchises over four seasons. He signed a two-year, $5.3 million contract with Philadelphia in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
Trendon Nelson Watford was born on November 9, 2000, in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his high school basketball career at Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama, while attending Irondale Middle School before his family relocated to Mountain Brook, Alabama. He completed his high school career at Mountain Brook High School, where he developed into one of the most decorated prospects in Alabama basketball history.
Watford holds the Alabama High School Athletic Association career rebounding record, cementing his status as one of the greatest rebounders in state history. He led Mountain Brook High School to three consecutive Class 7A state championships from 2017 to 2019. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American selection in 2019.
Path to Professional Basketball
Watford received numerous college offers from major programs but ultimately chose to continue his basketball career at Louisiana State University. On May 20, 2019, he committed to play for LSU under head coach Will Wade. His decision came after an impressive high school career that included two Alabama Mr. Basketball awards in 2018 and 2019.
At LSU, Watford immediately made an impact during his freshman season. He debuted with 10 points in an 88-79 victory over Bowling Green on November 5, 2019. He recorded his first collegiate double-double on November 19, 2019, scoring 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in an 77-50 win over UMBC. On January 25, 2020, Watford scored a career-high 22 points in a narrow 69-67 victory over Texas. He earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors while averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
Following his freshman season, Watford initially declared for the 2020 NBA draft before reversing course and returning to LSU for his sophomore year. He demonstrated improved offensive capability, scoring a career-high 30 points in the SEC Tournament championship game against Alabama. He averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore, earning First-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and Second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches. He subsequently declared for the 2021 NBA draft and signed with an agent, ending his college career.
Trendon Nelson Watford Career
Portland Trail Blazers (2021–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Watford signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on August 3, 2021. The Trail Blazers converted his contract to a standard deal on February 21, 2022. On March 12, 2022, Watford recorded a career-high 27 points along with six rebounds in a 127-118 victory over the Washington Wizards.
During the 2022 NBA Summer League, Watford delivered a standout championship performance. On July 17, 2022, he recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block to lead the Trail Blazers to an 85-77 win over the New York Knicks in the Summer League championship game. He was named the Summer League Championship Game MVP and earned a spot on the All-NBA Summer League Second Team. The Trail Blazers waived Watford on June 30, 2023.
Brooklyn Nets (2023–2025)
On August 3, 2023, Watford signed with the Brooklyn Nets. He completed the 2023-2024 season with Brooklyn before re-signing with the team on July 9, 2024. His tenure with the Nets provided him with additional experience as a rotation player in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Watford signed a two-year, $5.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. On November 8, 2025, he recorded his first career triple-double in a 130-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors, finishing with 20 points, 10 assists, and 17 rebounds. This milestone performance highlighted his versatility and ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 8 inches and 245 pounds, Watford brings positional versatility as both a power forward and small forward. He has demonstrated the ability to score inside and out, rebound effectively, and contribute as a playmaker from the frontcourt. His basketball IQ and versatility allow him to fit into various team offensive and defensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Watford achieved NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP honors in 2022, a significant recognition of his competitive abilities. His first career triple-double with the Philadelphia 76ers in November 2025 represented another milestone, demonstrating his growth as an all-around contributor at the NBA level.
Trendon Nelson Watford Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Watford has accumulated meaningful contributions across regular season games, Summer League competitions, and college basketball. While career NBA statistics continue to develop, his achievements span multiple levels of competition.
College Career Highlights
During two seasons at LSU, Watford established himself as a productive SEC contributor. As a freshman, he averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors. As a sophomore, he improved to 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, earning First-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press. His 30-point performance in the SEC Tournament championship game showcased his offensive capability against top competition.
High School and Amateur Achievements
Before his college and professional career, Watford achieved remarkable success at the high school level. He was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2019, one of the most prestigious honors for high school basketball players. He won the Alabama Mr. Basketball award twice, in 2018 and 2019, and holds the AHSAA career rebounding record.
Trendon Nelson Watford Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Watford comes from a basketball family with established credentials in the sport. He is the younger brother of former professional basketball player Christian Watford, who also played college basketball at LSU. Christian Watford’s professional career provided guidance and inspiration for Trendon’s own basketball journey.
Personal Life
Watford continues his professional basketball career following in his brother’s footsteps. Both brothers share a connection to LSU basketball, having represented the Tigers program. Watford remains active in the NBA while maintaining his roots in Alabama.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-2026 season marks a new chapter for Watford with the Philadelphia 76ers. His early-season triple-double against the Toronto Raptors demonstrated his ability to make an immediate impact with his new team. The two-year contract worth $5.3 million reflects the organization’s confidence in his contributions as a versatile frontcourt player.
Watford brings valuable versatility to a Philadelphia roster competing in the competitive Eastern Conference. His ability to play both forward positions provides lineup flexibility for the coaching staff. The milestone triple-double performance established a positive trajectory for his first season with the franchise.