Trendon Watford has steadily carved out a role as a versatile forward in the NBA, balancing grit and skill since entering the league undrafted in 2021. From his Alabama roots to his current stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Watford’s journey reflects perseverance and adaptability. Below, we break down his career milestones, financial standing, and personal life in a detailed, reader-friendly format.
Trendon Watford’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trendon Nelson Watford |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Louisiana State University (LSU), 2019–2021 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’9” (206 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3–4 million (career earnings + endorsements) |
| Salary (2024–25) | $2,726,603 |
| Career Earnings | ~$6.7 million (as of 2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @trendonwatford, Twitter/X: @TrendonWatford |
Early Career
Trendon Watford’s basketball journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, where he quickly became a hometown legend. After initially attending Shades Valley High School, he transferred to Mountain Brook High School as a freshman, a move that set the stage for his dominance.
Under Coach Bucky McMillan, Watford led the Spartans to three straight Class 7A state titles (2017–2019), cementing his reputation as a generational talent. His senior year averages—23.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game—earned him Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
He left high school as the state’s all-time rebounding leader (1,909 boards) and a top-10 scorer in Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) history with 3,567 points. A five-star recruit, Watford’s performance in national showcases like the McDonald’s All-American Game (10 points, 7 rebounds) and Jordan Brand Classic (18 points, 7 rebounds) solidified his status as a top-20 prospect.
Despite offers from Memphis and Indiana, he committed to LSU in May 2019, drawn by Coach Will Wade’s vision for his role. At LSU, Watford made an immediate impact. Starting 30 of 31 games as a freshman, he averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors. His early standout moment came in January 2020, when he dropped 22 points against Texas, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
That season, he recorded seven double-doubles, including a 26-point, 10-rebound performance at Vanderbilt. His sophomore year saw even greater growth. Watford upped his averages to 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds while improving his playmaking (2.9 assists per game). He delivered a career-high 30 points against Alabama in the 2021 SEC Tournament final, though LSU fell short of the title.
Over two seasons, he started 58 of 59 games, finishing with 878 career points and earning All-SEC First Team recognition. Despite his success, Watford went undrafted in 2021—a setback that fueled his determination to prove himself at the professional level. Behind the stats lay grind-heavy routines.
Watford famously practiced free throws with Coach Wade after every shootaround, refining his mechanics to boost his percentage from 56% early in his freshman year to 67.4% by season’s end. This work ethic, combined with his unique blend of size (6’9”) and guard-like skills, laid the foundation for his eventual NBA breakthrough.
Professional Career
Trendon Watford’s NBA journey began against the odds. After going undrafted in 2021, he signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in August 2021. His relentless hustle earned him a standard NBA deal by February 2022, where he quickly became a fan favorite. A breakout moment arrived on March 12, 2022, when he dropped a career-high 27 points against the Washington Wizards, pairing it with six rebounds and showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
That summer, Watford led Portland to the 2022 NBA Summer League title, earning Championship Game MVP honors with 19 points and seven rebounds against the New York Knicks. His role expanded in the 2022–23 season, averaging 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds over 62 games. A highlight came on April 8, 2023, when he exploded for 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting against the LA Clippers.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Portland waived him in June 2023, opening the door for a fresh start. Watford joined the Brooklyn Nets in August 2023, where his versatility as a stretch four/small-ball center flourished. During the 2024–25 season, he averaged career highs in points (9.4) and assists (2.4) while shooting 46.7% from the field. A defining stretch occurred in March 2025: after being ejected for the first time in his career during a heated loss to Indiana, he responded with a career-high 26 points in the rematch, proving his mental toughness.
The Nets rewarded his growth with a one-year, $2.7 million contract in July 2024, valuing his efficiency (75% free-throw accuracy) and defensive adaptability. Watford’s game thrives on unpredictability. Though not a high-volume three-point shooter (31.9% in 2024–25), he leverages his 6’9” frame to finish at the rim (63.2% in the paint) and create mismatches.
His 14-rebound performance against Minnesota in 2022 and eight-assist outing vs. Boston in 2023 underscore his all-around impact. As he enters 2025 free agency, Watford’s blend of size, skill, and resilience positions him as a sought-after role player for playoff contenders.
Trendon Watford’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Trendon Watford’s net worth is estimated to be $3–4 million.
Contract
In July 2024, Trendon Watford signed a one-year, $2,726,603 contract with the Brooklyn Nets. This deal represents a significant increase from his previous salary, reflecting the team’s growing confidence in his abilities. The contract is fully guaranteed, providing Watford with financial security for the 2024-25 season.
However, it does not include any team or player options, making Watford an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. This structure gives both Watford and the Nets flexibility for future negotiations. The contract aligns with the NBA’s mid-level exception, indicating the Nets’ willingness to invest in Watford’s potential while maintaining salary cap flexibility for future roster moves.
Salary
Trendon Watford’s current contract with the Brooklyn Nets is a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $2,726,603 for the 2024–25 NBA season. Signed in July 2024 as a qualifying offer, this agreement represents a 34.99% salary increase from his previous year’s earnings and positions him as an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
The contract includes no team or player options, giving both Watford and the Nets flexibility for future negotiations. His $2.7 million salary accounts for approximately 1.94% of Brooklyn’s salary cap, reflecting his role as a rotational forward. This marks Watford’s fourth NBA contract since entering the league undrafted in 2021, with career earnings now surpassing $6.7 million.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Portland Trail Blazers | $768,830 |
| 2022-23 | Portland Trail Blazers | $1,563,518 |
| 2023-24 | Brooklyn Nets | $2,019,706 |
| 2024-25 | Brooklyn Nets | $2,726,603 |
| Total | $7,078,657 |
NBA Career Stats
| Stat | Average | Career High |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 9.4 | 27 (vs. Washington Wizards, 2022) |
| Rebounds | 3.1 | 14 (vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 2022) |
| Assists | 1.6 | 8 (vs. Boston Celtics, 2023) |
| Field Goal % | 53.3% | 68.8% (2022 single game) |
| 3-Point % | 32.4% | 50% (2023 season) |
| Free Throw % | 75.0% | 85.7% (2024 single game) |
FAQs
1. Where was Trendon Watford born?
Trendon Watford was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 9, 2000. He grew up in Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham, and attended Mountain Brook High School. There, he became a three-time Class 7A state champion and set Alabama’s career rebounding record. His early success in Alabama laid the foundation for his basketball career.
2. What college did Trendon Watford attend?
Watford played college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 2019 to 2021. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, earning All-SEC First Team honors. Despite going undrafted in 2021, his college performance showcased his versatility as a forward and playmaking skills.
3. When did Trendon Watford enter the NBA?
Watford entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in August 2021, which was later converted to a standard NBA deal. His perseverance led to a breakout 27-point game against Washington in March 2022, cementing his place in the league.
4. What is Trendon Watford’s current NBA contract?
In July 2024, Watford signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The deal is fully guaranteed with no team or player options, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2025. This marked his fourth NBA contract, with career earnings exceeding $6.7 million as of 2025.
5. What is Trendon Watford’s career-high scoring game?
Watford’s career-high is 27 points, achieved on March 12, 2022, against the Washington Wizards. He added six rebounds in that game, showcasing his scoring efficiency and versatility. This performance highlighted his potential as a rotational forward in the NBA.
6. What awards has Trendon Watford won?
Watford was named NBA 2K23 Summer League Championship Game MVP in 2022 after leading Portland to the title. In college, he earned All-SEC First Team (2021) and SEC All-Freshman Team (2020) honors. He also won Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year twice in high school.
7. What are Trendon Watford’s career NBA stats?
Watford averages 7.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over 214 career games. His best season (2024–25) saw averages of 9.4 points and 2.4 assists per game. He shoots 54.1% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range in his career.
8. Who represents Trendon Watford?
Watford is represented by Wasserman agency, with agents Patonay Adam, Thaddeus Foucher, and Joe Smith. His agency negotiated his recent $2.7 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, reflecting his growing value as a role player.
9. How has Trendon Watford contributed to the Brooklyn Nets?
Watford emerged as a reliable bench player for the Nets in 2024–25, averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game. His efficiency (53.3% FG) and defensive adaptability earned him increased playing time, including a pivotal 18-point game against Philadelphia in February 2025.
10. What is Trendon Watford’s free agency status?
Watford will become an unrestricted free agent in July 2025. The Nets hold no rights to match offers, giving him flexibility to explore new teams. His skill set as a stretch forward makes him a potential target for playoff contenders seeking frontcourt depth.
