Kings Convert Dylan Cardwell To Four-Year Standard Deal

Cardwell’s new deal covers four seasons and the first two are fully guaranteed, agent Corey Marcum tells Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).

A Georgia native, Cardwell played a fairly limited role in five college seasons at Auburn. The 24-year-old big man went undrafted last June, but quickly agreed to a two-way contract with the Kings.

Despite his modest stats with the Tigers, Cardwell has quickly become a fan favorite in Sacramento, providing a much-needed infusion of energy, enthusiasm, rebounding, and interior defense. He has made 25 appearances as a rookie, averaging 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20.0 minutes per game.

The Kings opened up two spots on their standard roster when they sent out three players for one in the De’Andre Hunter trade. Charania suggested at the time that Cardwell might be promoted, which Ham later confirmed.

Sacramento technically was under no obligation to convert Cardwell’s contract right after the trade deadline — he has only been active for 31 games, 19 shy of his 50-game limit. Instead of waiting, the Kings decided to reward him early. Cardwell earned praise from GM Scott Perry at the start of the new year.

The Kings now have one standard roster opening and one two-way vacancy in the wake of Cardwell’s promotion.