The Sacramento Kings have signed rookie center Dylan Cardwell to a four-year contract, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The deal includes two fully guaranteed seasons, solidifying Cardwell’s place in the Kings’ long-term plans.
Cardwell, 24, joined Sacramento on a two-way contract after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. This season, he has averaged 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 20 minutes per game over 25 appearances.
The center has shown strong rim protection and rebounding efficiency, ranking among the team leaders in blocks despite limited minutes. His development provides depth behind Domantas Sabonis and Precious Achiuwa, strengthening Sacramento’s frontcourt rotation.
This move comes after the Kings’ recent trade that brought in De’Andre Hunter from Cleveland, signaling a focus on youth and flexibility for the roster. Cardwell’s long-term deal reflects confidence in his ability to contribute as a defensive anchor and rebounder.
Sacramento, currently 12th in the Western Conference with a 12-40 record, has struggled this season but is building toward future competitiveness. Cardwell’s growth aligns with the franchise’s strategy of developing young talent around veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis.
By guaranteeing two years of his contract, the Kings secure flexibility while giving Cardwell time to establish himself as a key rotational player. The four-year term indicates Sacramento views him as part of its core building blocks for the future.
