The Kings are locking in a fan favorite. Dylan Cardwell, the energetic rookie big man who’s been making waves off the bench, has officially been promoted from a two-way contract to a multiyear standard NBA deal. The new agreement spans four seasons, with the first two years fully guaranteed - a clear sign that Sacramento sees real value in what Cardwell brings to the floor.
It’s a remarkable rise for the 24-year-old Georgia native. After five seasons at Auburn, where he played a limited role and didn’t post eye-popping numbers, Cardwell went undrafted last June.
But the Kings saw something in him - enough to offer a two-way contract shortly after the draft. Since then, he’s made the most of every opportunity.
In 25 appearances so far, Cardwell has averaged 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in just 20 minutes per game. Those are solid numbers for a rookie big, but they only tell part of the story.
His impact goes beyond the box score. Cardwell has quickly become a spark plug for Sacramento - crashing the glass, protecting the rim, and bringing an infectious energy that’s resonated with fans and teammates alike.
The Kings had some flexibility to work with after the De’Andre Hunter trade, which sent out three players and brought back just one. That move opened up two standard roster spots, and while there was no immediate pressure to fill them - Cardwell still had 19 games remaining on his two-way eligibility - Sacramento didn’t wait around. They made the call to promote him now, a move that speaks volumes about how the organization views his development and potential.
General Manager Scott Perry had already gone on record praising Cardwell at the start of the new year, and this promotion backs up those words with action. It’s not just a reward for what Cardwell’s done so far - it’s a bet on what he can become.
With Cardwell now officially on the standard roster, the Kings still have one open spot and one two-way slot to work with. But more importantly, they’ve secured a young, high-motor big man who’s already shown he can contribute - and who’s only just getting started.