Nets expected to make Trendon qualifying offer for Watford

The Nets are expected to make a qualifying offer to Trendon Watford before Saturday’s deadline, a source told The Post.

This will make the 23-year-old a restricted free agent.

Watford averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes last season for Brooklyn.

Watford played with a veteran minimum last season and expressed a desire to stay with the Nets; the latest is a sign that Brooklyn may be looking to keep him as part of its rebuild.

“I think I can see myself back here,” Watford said after the Nets’ season ended. “I love the fans and I love New York. It was my first time really living in New York and with the weather and traveling and everything; but it was awesome, man.

“It was great to be with those guys, great to be with the organization. We’ll see how it goes with the free agent status, but we really had fun. »

Watford was teammates at LSU with Cam Thomas, who now – following the Mikal Bridges trade – has established himself not only as the Nets’ leading scorer but also the face of the franchise.

“I’m just happy to be able to play with him again and see the big transformation from his freshman year to his third year in the league. It’s a big step forward,” Watford said. “Man, he’s special. He knows it and the world knows it.

There’s no guarantee Watford will be able to play with Thomas again next season, but the qualifying offer ensures the Nets can make that happen.

They now have the right to match any offer made by another team to Watford, who stepped up a gear at the end of last season.

When the Nets went with a younger team over the last 11 games, Watford was given a much bigger role and averaged 12.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists ( although with 2.5 turnovers).

He shot .541 percent overall and a solid .440 from behind the arc down the stretch.

“They’re an inexperienced team, but I feel like in these last 10 to 12 games we’ve really shown what we can do,” Watford said of Brooklyn ending a streak of six consecutive defeats with a 6-5 victory.

“I feel like I played well at the end of the season when I had the chance. Even when I felt like I should have been playing early or mid-season, I knew I was going to get an opportunity. I hope I left a good impression, but we’ll see. »

With Ben Simmons injured and Spencer Dinwiddie traded, Watford took on attacking duties as a secondary playmaker and even had the pleasure of backing up Dennis Schroder towards the end of the season.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say a point guard. Maybe a point forward and be able to play a four or whatever I need to play. I just want to be able to get on the pitch and be effective. I feel like I’ve still been able to play well,” said Watford, who has relished the role.

” Yes, it’s true. It was completely different for me, as I started playing at the 5th position in my first year, building up the possibility of playing as a forward in my second year, and in my third year , I played a lot as a point guard and winger. So it was great. »