Would Milwaukee benefit from the fourth-year forward’s skillset?
With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner and the Milwaukee Bucks said to be active shoppers, let’s continue our installment of possible trade candidates they could land by shining the light on Trendon Watford of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Player
Trendon Watford, 6’9”, 240 lb. big man
Season averages: 8.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .443/.308/.857
A product of the LSU Tigers, Watford is in his fourth year in the Association. He went undrafted before being signed to a two-way contract by the Trail Blazers. He’d then have his contract converted to a standard deal. Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, he was waived by Portland before being signed by the Brooklyn that August. He then re-signed with them this past summer.
Standing at 6’9” with a lengthy 7’1” wingspan, Watford is versatile and able to play both power forward and small forward. Defensively, that length helps him guard multiple positions. He boasts an ability to drive to the basket and to finish inside. Over the years, he’s flashed an outside shot too: last season, Watford shot a career-best 39.7% from the perimeter, a number he had improved on every year he was in the league. This season, though, he’s sitting at 30.8%.
However, health is something to consider with Watford—he hasn’t seen much time this season. He missed the first six weeks of the season with a hamstring injury, then played 12 games before tweaking the same hamstring on December 16. Yesterday marked his first action out on the court since then, and Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez recently said that Watford is on “some sort of minute restriction.”
The Trade
Acquiring Watford is pretty straightforward for the Bucks. He can be moved for any Buck that’s making less than his $2,726,603. Looking at the Bucks’ roster, one scenario that’d fit this is sending out MarJon Beauchamp for him (and likely more). It’s clear that MarJon’s shelf life has expired in Milwaukee. Through multiple coaches, he’s yet to break through and earn solid minutes in the rotation. Plus, this trade works since MarJon makes $7,117 more than Watford. Another thing to consider about bringing in Watford is that he’d have Early Bird rights if traded. This means he’d be eligible for an extension this offseason from the Bucks; it’d have to be at least two seasons in length, and the starting salary could be up to $13.6m.
With that being said, sending Beauchamp alone likely wouldn’t push this deal across the finish line. Milwaukee would need to add some more in, and it seems like the 2031 second-round pick would fit the bill. It’s not overpaying, nor is it a light return for Brooklyn. We also know how much Jon Horst loves to send away his second-round picks.
The Fit
Watford’s positional flexibility would be welcomed as added depth, and his traits complement the perimeter play of all the Bucks shooters well. He doesn’t slot in like the other sharpshooters on the Bucks, but he has shown improvement through the years. If he’s able to keep his 3P% growing, it could pave more paths for Giannis to the hoop, thanks to spacing on the floor.
Defensively, he aligns well in situations where the Bucks decide to switch on their opponent with his size. Another big body on the floor also helps in the rebounding department, as he can help secure boards and push the ball in transition. At times, Milwaukee has struggled this season in the rebounding and pace departments, and Watford’s youth may be able to boost those numbers.
Looking at where he stacks up with the other big men the Bucks offer, Watford could slide in as a unique fit for when Milwaukee wants to go a bit small. He likely won’t overpower bigger centers, but he should be able to hold his own against other forwards in the league. Assuming the Bucks keep Bobby Portis at the deadline, Watford could be thrown in the lineup for some interior resistance when Portis’ defense puts Milwaukee at risk in the playoffs.
What do you think of Trendon Watford? Do you feel that he’d be a welcome fit with the Bucks? Would you be willing to part with MarJon Beauchamp and a second to get him, or would you prefer something else? Let us know in the comments!