Nets guarantee deals to Harry Giles III, Trendon Watford for rest of season
Nets' Harry Giles III and Trendon Watford. Credit: AP/Peter K. Afriyie; Errol Anderson
Neither Harry Giles III nor Trendon Watford thought much about Sunday, aside from it being another game day. But it was important for their immediate futures.
Coach Jacque Vaughn broke the news before the game that Giles’ and Watford’s contracts will become fully guaranteed. Sunday was the last day NBA teams could do so for the remainder of the season.
“Dinner is on those two,” Vaughn said jokingly.
Watford said the news made him feel even more like part of the Nets. Giles yelled across the locker room that they’re “officially official.”
Watford showed his value as a backup point guard when injuries affected Dennis Smith Jr. and Cam Thomas. His size and ability to rebound helped as much as his ability to run the offense with the second unit.
“I just wanted to grind and work hard and get my opportunity to prove that I belong, and I think I did that,” said Watford, who has played in 26 games “Now it feels good to get that, I don’t want to say pressure off my back, but just to get the curiosity just out my mind about the date.”
Giles and Watford will make just over $2 million this season.
For Giles, who has played 10 games, there was relief after he first signed an Exhibit 9 contract. He went from not having a guaranteed roster spot in training camp to reaching another goal in his comeback after not playing the previous two seasons because of injuries.
Now he and Watford, knowing their spots are set, can remain focused on the season.
“I’m trying to just keep working. Still be who I want to be, man, the goal is still the same,” Giles said. “Just because things didn’t happen yet this far doesn’t mean it won’t happen this year, next year. So I’m not getting discouraged.”
The Nets also freed up a two-way roster spot this weekend by waiving guard Armoni Brooks, who appeared in 10 games.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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