The news that Trendon Watford is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $5.3 million deal, according to Shams Charania is a bitter pill to swallow for Brooklyn fans. It is not just that Watford was a solid contributor for the Nets last season. It is the fact that he is now going to be suiting up for one of the their’ biggest rivals.
Why Watford’s departure hurts more than it should
Watford was not the face of the franchise, but he was exactly the kind of player Brooklyn needed. At 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan, he was versatile, reliable, and not afraid to do the dirty work. This past season he averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists all while shooting nearly 47% from the field and 33% from three. Watford was a guy who could come off the bench, defend multiple positions, and hit the occasional shot, a rare blend of skills that made him one of the more dependable players on a team that needed consistency. And yet, Brooklyn let him go.
A missed opportunity for Brooklyn’s future
It is not that Watford is irreplaceable, but let’s not kid ourselves, this is a classic case of the Nets missing a chance to retain an affordable asset. You do not let a player like Watford walk for just $5.3 million over two years, especially when he fit so well within the team's developmental plans. Watford’s presence would have helped Brooklyn stay balanced as they developed their younger stars, especially with their new five drafted rookies coming in. He wasn’t demanding a starting role or even big minutes, he just did his job when called upon. That’s invaluable for a team trying to build a cohesive unit.
The Sixers got a steal
The worst part of the deal is that of all the teams in the league Watford is joining the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia, the team that’s constantly been one of Brooklyn's biggest competitors in the East. It is hard not to feel like the Nets missed an opportunity here.