The Sacramento Kings have signed rookie center Dylan Cardwell to a four-year contract.

The Sacramento Kings are signing rookie center Dylan Cardwell to a four-year deal, agent Corey Marcum tells ESPN. The deal includes two fully guaranteed years. Cardwell has averaged 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20 minutes this season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026

The 24-year-old rookie went undrafted out of Auburn in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the Kings signed him to a two-way contract in June. He will likely never be a threat on offense, but his rebounding and defense are a joy to watch. His Per 36 stats are 8.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3 blocks.

It will be interesting to see how Doug Christie uses him down the stretch of the season as the tank goes on. We have seen him on the court with Domantas Sabonis multiple times now and that will probably continue. If Sabonis ends up sitting for the tank, a boatload of Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud front court minutes would be a fun watch.

Good on Cardwell for earning this. Standing 6’11’’ and 255 pounds, he is a fan favorite for his energy and charisma, and he is a bright spot in what is truly a dismal, putrid, horrific season.

But the season isn’t on Cardwell. Congrats Dylan, we are looking forward to seeing you on the court in Sacramento moving forward.

 

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