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Kings sign Dylan Cardwell and Isaiah Stevens to Two-Way Contracts

The Kings addressed some needs with their two-way signings this year.
By | 7 Comments | Jul 8, 2025

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers center Dylan Cardwell (44) reacts after a play against the Florida Gators during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Kings announced today that they have signed center Dylan Cardwell and guard Isaiah Stevens to two-way contracts.  Cardwell is a 23 year-old 6’11 undrafted rookie center who averaged 5.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 block in 20.3 minutes a game while shooting 70% from the field for the Auburn Tigers as a fifth year senior last season.  Stevens is a 24 year-old, 6’0 point guard who spent last season on a two-way deal with the Miami Heat, but mostly spent time with Miami’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce where he averaged 12.3 points, 7.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds a game.  Before that, he played five seasons at Colorado State (including one year with Kings rookie Nique Clifford) where he holds the program records for all-time points, assists and 3-point field goals made.

NBA teams are allowed three two-way contracts.  Sacramento’s third two-way contract is currently unfilled, although the Kings do have a Qualifying Offer out on Isaiah Crawford for that final spot.  Mason Jones, who has been a two-way player for the Kings the last two seasons, is no longer eligible for a two-way contract as it is limited to players with four or fewer seasons in the NBA.  Two-way players are essentially G-League affiliate players who get a bit of extra attention and development by the team since they are allowed to spend up to 45 days during the regular season with the team, while also fully participating in training camp and pre-season action.

The Kings have had decent success with the two-way contracts in recent years.  Keon Ellis is the most immediate and successful example, graduating from a two-way player to an important contributor and sometime starter for the Kings after going undrafted.  Last season, Isaac Jones also graduated from a two-way player to a regular contract for the Kings, playing in 40 games.  Two-way deals are a nice way for teams to develop young players with little risk, and good opportunities for guys who might otherwise have been overlooked.

With Cardwell and Stevens, the Kings are addressing two of their biggest potential areas of need in both the frontcourt and backcourt.  We’ll get to see them in action, along with the rest of the Kings summer league team, starting this Thursday at 4:30pm on NBA TV as they take on the Orlando Magic.

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UpgradedToQuestionable
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July 8, 2025 8:04 pm

I have no idea how either player will work in a game, however, I’ve seen interviews with each and they impressed me with their apparent intelligence and ability to communicate with the media.

I look forward to seeing so many of the Summer League squad. Two days away!

NorCalKingsFan
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July 9, 2025 12:24 am

Cardwell is a bully on the court, I like his brand of physicality.

TheGrantNapear
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July 9, 2025 6:14 am
Reply to  NorCalKingsFan

Keep signing big dudes instead of undersized dudes; just do the opposite of what MM did.

RikSmits
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July 8, 2025 9:09 pm

Obligatory:
Welcome to basketball hell, guys.

Want2win
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July 9, 2025 5:05 am

✅ Strengths

???? Elite Playmaking & Court Vision

  • Averaged 9.3 assists per game in G League (highest among rookie guards), leading Skyforce with 11 double-doubles and even a triple-double .
  • Erik Spoelstra praised Stevens as “a classic point guard… can really deliver the ball … on time, on target,” highlighting his ability to orchestrate offense .
  • Strong assist-to-turnover ratio; consistently elevated teammates—ranked second in the G League for +/– during the Tip-Off Tournament stretch .

⚡ Experience & Leadership

  • Starter for 152 of 153 games at Colorado State, finishing with 5.6 ast, 15.4 ppg, shooting ~40% from 3 in college , showing maturity, consistency, and silencing freshman-era nerves.

???? Mid-Range & Free Throw Shooting

  • Shot a reliable 93% from the free-throw line in G League .
  • Efficient FG% (~45%) in G League, good decision-making in mid-range and at-rim situations ().

⚠️ Weaknesses
⛹️ Undersized & Defensive Matchups

  • Listed at 6’0″ and 185 lbs, undersized even for point guard, which can hurt his ability to guard physically stronger or more athletic opponents .
  • Possibly a defensive liability at the NBA level—most critiques point to improving that end to raise his ceiling ().

???? 3‑Point Shooting Concerns

  • Despite college shooting upside (~40%), his G League 3‑P% dipped to ~32% .
  • Scouts note his jump shooting profile isn’t fully reliable yet—needs more consistency from deep ().

???? Limited NBA Exposure

  • Only 3 NBA games (≈2 minutes total) with Miami last season; no real chance to test his handle, decision-making, or defense in-game ().
TheGrantNapear
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July 9, 2025 6:13 am
Reply to  Want2win

Thanks Mr. AI Bot.

TheGrantNapear
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July 9, 2025 6:18 am

I have to say, with the majority of NBA teams in win now mode, especially in the wide open East, I don’t see how DDR and Monk were or are untradeable. Neither is on a terrible contract like Zach and Domas. And both DDR and Monk can provide scoring for a playoff team on a fair contract.
I don’t know how much of this is King’s FO ineptitude or the rest of the league just not having interest in those two.

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