Minnesota Timberwolves Target Trendon Watford Denies Report of EuroLeague Move
The Minnesota Timberwolves' search for another reserve forward may have narrowed considerably over the weekend. Jeremy Sochan, one of two free agents recently connected to Minnesota, signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. The other, Trendon Watford, was reported Monday to be nearing his first move overseas. However, Watford quickly pushed back on social media, stating that the report is not true.
What happened?
Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews reported that Watford was in "advanced negotiations" with Valencia Basket, which finished with the EuroLeague's second-best record last season. The Spanish club recently added former NBA forward Mouhamadou Gueye and is continuing to strengthen its frontcourt.
Why it matters for Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves can still make their pitch to Watford, but the denial leaves his future unresolved. The team's frontcourt options are dwindling, and they remain close to the second-apron hard cap. They signed veteran Trey Lyles, but the roster still lacks proven frontcourt depth behind Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
What comes next?
Watford's denial leaves open the possibility that Minnesota could still pursue him. The 25-year-old forward averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 16.3 minutes across 53 appearances last season. He shot 51.5% from the field but only 20% from 3-point range, a weakness that could complicate his fit on a Minnesota roster needing reliable spacing.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' recent form has been poor, with a recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, who won 109-139 on May 16, 2026. The team has lost four of their last five games, including the last four in a row. This has put pressure on the team to find a suitable replacement for Sochan and potentially Watford.
Philadelphia declined Watford's $2.8 million team option in June, returning the 25-year-old forward to free agency after one season with the 76ers. A move to Valencia would give Watford a prominent role for one of Europe's strongest teams. It would also remove the second of Minnesota's two known frontcourt targets in a matter of days. For now, BasketNews' report and Watford's public denial stand in direct conflict. No agreement has been announced, and the Timberwolves can still make their pitch. Whether Watford is truly available to hear it remains the larger question.
