Feb. 2, 2026, 9:13 a.m. ET
Former Auburn star Dylan Cardwell is being rewarded for the incredible start to his NBA career.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported Sunday that Cardwell is expected to move to a standard contract with the Sacramento Kings, an upgrade from its initial two-way contract. The move comes after the Kings’ recent trade involving Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, who are being sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers for De’Andre Hunter. The trade creates a roster spot, which is expected to be filled by Cardwell full-time.
Cardwell has appeared in 24 games for the Kings this season, making one start. He averages 4.7 points per game and has proven to be a quality rebounder with 6.9 per game. He scored a season-high 12 points in the Kings’ loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 18, when he also hauled in 10 rebounds for his lone double-double this season. In his last game, he scored five points and blocked three shots in the Kings’ 116-112 loss to the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Cardwell’s stellar start is a surprise to the NBA community, as he entered the league as an undrafted rookie signee. Nicknamed “Mr. Auburn,” Cardwell played in 166 games during his five-year tenure at Auburn, averaging 4.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He became a fan favorite on the Plains thanks to his high-energy and always positive attitude, which he showed on and off the court. Cardwell will work the rest of the season to gain valuable minutes with the Kings.
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