After the first major trade of the rebuild, the Sacramento Kings are now fully engaged in the rebuild process. Opening up these roster spots will be a huge benefit to younger players, such as breakout two-way player Dylan Cardwell who is now in a position to be signed to a proper contract.
During the barrage of injuries that hit the Kings in December, the Kings' rookie squad got a chance to shine. Maxime Raynaud was a huge beneficiary of this, as he filled in for Domantas Sabonis as the starting center. He performed incredibly well, enough so that he made the Kia Rookie Ladder.
Nique Clifford has also found more minutes and is really starting to find his game on the court. In the early parts of the season, he was having a difficult time with confidence and aggression. He's pushing himself to take more shots and getting after it on defense.
Then, there's Dylan Cardwell. He went undrafted in 2025 but was signed to a two-way contract by the Kings during the offseason. After spending time in the G League, he was called up to help fill in during the injury run and has become a permanent feature of the team. Now, the Kings can make it official.
Dylan Cardwell needs to be full-time on the main roster
There's no question that Cardwell is NBA material. He's quite possibly the best shot blocker on the team, picking up three against the Wizards last night alone. He's also an impressive scorer. Dylan doesn't pull down big numbers, but he throws down hard off a lob pass.
What the Sactown fans love about him is his energy. Any time he pulls off a big play in Golden 1 Center, Cardwell celebrates in a big way. He has so much positivity and appreciation for even playing in the NBA that the crowd just can't help but love him. They want him on the team.
The recent trade that will bring De'Andre Hunter to the Kings has moved two players to the Cavs and a third to the Bulls. That opens real space on the Kings' roster, and one of those spots absolutely has to go to Cardwell. He has more than earned it with his hard work and great play this season.
Dylan Cardwell is the exact type of player the Kings need to make this rebuild work. And it seems like the coaching staff and the front office get that. Now is the time to get him permanently on the main roster and keep the rebuild process moving forward.