The Sacramento Kings have quietly built a strong offseason résumé, making smart moves that could significantly improve their roster. While they may not have made headline-grabbing trades, their strategic additions position them as a team to watch closely in the NBA Western Conference. Their work is far from finished, however, as they continue to pursue Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
So far, the Kings’ biggest move has been the sign-and-trade acquisition of veteran guard Dennis Schroder. They have also made smaller roster enhancements, including the recent signing of Daeqwon Plowden to a two-way contract, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Though under the radar, these transactions reflect the franchise’s effort to build depth and flexibility heading into the new season.
Plowden will occupy the Kings’ final two-way roster slot, joining Isaiah Stevens and Dylan Cardwell. Cardwell is set to enter his rookie year in the NBA, while Stevens spent last season on a two-way deal with the Miami Heat. Plowden’s arrival gives Sacramento another developmental piece with potential to contribute off the bench.
The forward’s preseason journey has been turbulent. He was involved in last year’s seven-team blockbuster deal headlined by Kevin Durant. Originally with the Atlanta Hawks, Plowden was dealt to the Phoenix Suns as part of that trade. However, the Suns waived him shortly after completing the transaction, leaving the young wing searching for another opportunity.
Despite limited exposure, Plowden made the most of his chances with the Hawks. He appeared in six games on a two-way contract, averaging 7.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in just 12 minutes per contest. His shooting splits were particularly notable—64% from the field, 52.9% from beyond the arc, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line.
Now in Sacramento, Plowden has the opportunity to carve out a more defined role. Surrounded by talent like Schroder and All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis, he could thrive in a system that emphasizes ball movement and transition play. Both Schroder and Sabonis are players known for elevating those around them, and the Kings are eager to take the next step toward playoff contention.
Plowden went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft and didn’t make a regular-season roster until last year with the Hawks. Before that, he had briefly signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, only to be released prior to training camp. Now, with the Kings showing interest in Kuminga and investing in players like Plowden, Sacramento appears committed to building both for the present and the future.