Plenty of gems in the NBA go undrafted. The Sacramento Kings have a phenomenal example of their own in Keon Ellis, with a nod to two-way player Isaac Jones, who showed flashes last season.
After trading into the first round for Nique Clifford, then drafting Maxime Raynaud at pick 42, Sacramento wasn’t done.
Per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the Kings agreed to a two-way contract with undrafted 6’10 big Dylan Cardwell.
NEWS: Dylan Cardwell has agreed to a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings, a source told ESPN.
6’11 hyper-athletic big man brought elite toughness, defensive intensity and finishing prowess to Auburn’s Final Four team. pic.twitter.com/PQz82aAGZH
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
Playing in his fifth collegiate season at 23 years old, he averaged 5.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 70 percent shooting.
But the numbers don’t tell the full story with Cardwell. While lacking traditional NBA size, his 9’1 standing reach and strength at 261 pounds provide potential to his interior presence.
An elite defender around the rim, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie covered his strength of rim protection well.
“Cardwell was elite on the defensive end this season and should have been named to the All-Defense team in the SEC. He had the best on/off differential on a Final Four team this year, as it was nearly impossible to score on Auburn when he was in the game.”
He played well as both a pick-and-roll defender and a helpside, rotational piece last season. Add an impact on the glass, and it’s easy to see why teams could be interested in Cardwell.
But, there’s concern about his size projecting to the next level. Especially considering he’s locked into playing center due to his offensive limitations.
Cardwell shot 10 triples in 305 games played. He made four, though!
Dylan Cardwell is going to be a major STEAL for an NBA team. At 6’11”, he’s a switchable defender who can guard the perimeter and protect the rim! 🔒📈
Cardwell anchored Auburn’s defense all the way to the Final Four, and he’s an incredible leader/motivator. 🔋
Known around… pic.twitter.com/Rp0w3Sh7Zb
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@greenlightbball) June 21, 2025
Once again, the new Kings GM elected to take an older prospect who showed an ability to improve — or, as Perry said, “It demonstrates, to me, that the game matters to them.”
Given they’re healthy, Clifford, Raynaud, and Cardwell should all get their first chance to wear royal purple in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Sacramento is not participating in the California Classic.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
The Sacramento Kings came into the 2025 NBA Draft with one second-round selection.
Spending a future protected first-rounder allowed them to move into Wednesday’s first round, where new general manager Scott Perry selected Colorado State guard/wing Nique Clifford.
Not included in the deal, Maxime Raynaud was selected by Sacramento with the 42nd overall pick.
The seven-foot French big spent four seasons at Stanford, showing tremendous growth with each passing season — a similarity he shares with Clifford.
Read More:
Sacramento Kings select Maxime Raynaud with 42nd pick
What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?
Following the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings will prepare for the start of NBA Free Agency.
The NBA free agency negotiation period begins on Monday, June 30th, at 3 pm PT, meaning Sacramento will be able to negotiate with players — but agreements cannot be officially completed until Sunday, July 6th.
Who will the Kings sign in free agency? Will new general manager Scott Perry make trades in hopes of upgrading the roster?
Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports 1140 each weekday from 6 am-6 pm for live analysis and around-the-clock coverage, as well as SactownSports.com for breakdowns for every move.
Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:
Wednesday, June 25th – 2025 NBA Draft
Monday, June 30th – NBA free agent negotiations can begin
Sunday, July 6th – NBA free agents can officially sign with teams
July 10th-20th – Las Vegas NBA Summer League
August TBD – Release of 2025-26 regular season schedule
September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season
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