As the rebuild prepares to kick into high gear, the Sacramento Kings are going to have to start making decisions on various players. One of those guys is Daeqwon Plowden, who has had a great run in February and March. The problem is that they may not have a spot for him next season.
I don't know if the Kings are going to be able to bring Plowden back on another two-way deal next season.
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) March 27, 2026
Feels like he's played his way to a full contract somewhere.
Matt George from Sactown Sports made the point both on social media and on his show that the Kings have somewhat painted themselves into a corner with Plowden. As they continue to plan for the future, spots on the roster are starting to fill up.
Naturally, new players like Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Dylan Cardwell are not going anywhere. The same is likely true of Killian Hayes, whom the Kings just signed to a two-year contract. Keegan Murray, De'Andre Hunter, and Malik Monk all still have time on their contracts.
The other issue is the contracts the Kings can't do anything about. That means players like Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, who aren't going anywhere in the near future. They don't fit the new look Kings, but are taking up both roster spots and huge amounts of the salary cap.
Plowden's problems with the Kings don't end there
There are a number of players whose contracts are up at the end of this season. That includes Plowden, Isaiah Stewart, and Patrick Baldwin Jr., who are all on two-way deals. On top of that, the Kings are about to pick up three new players in the 2026 NBA Draft.
At least two of those rookies will need two-way contracts, meaning a pair of the current players on those contracts will either need to be bumped up to the main roster or cut. And given how tight that space is looking on that main roster leading into 2026-2027, finding room for one would be a miracle.
Plowden has been playing incredible basketball for the Kings for the past couple of months, and he just keeps getting better. If Sacramento can figure out a way to make room for him, he would be a solid permanent addition to the team. That's starting to feel unlikely.
At this point in the season, it seems like Plowden is playing to impress another team. If the Kings can't keep him, he'll need to find a spot on a different roster. Given what he's done with his opportunities in Sacramento, he has definitely earned a shot from another team in the NBA.