Sacramento secures the right of first refusal for their breakout guard, retaining a cost-controlled asset after his dominant G League transition and impressive scoring surge last season.
Sacramento Kings guard Daeqwon Plowden is now a restricted free agent heading into free agency after the team extended a two-way qualifying offer on Saturday morning, first reported by Spotrac's Keith Smith.
Plowden becoming a restricted free agent means Sacramento has the right of first refusal if another team submits an offer sheet. The Kings would have 48 hours to match an offer sheet Plowden receives.
The 27-year-old's two-way salary was worth $636,435, according to HoopsHype. His previous contract puts Sacramento in the driver's seat to retain him as a cost-controlled asset.
Plowden played 32 games for the Kings last season and averaged 10.8 points, three rebounds and 1.3 assists. He shot 43% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-6 guard spent some time with the Stockton Kings -- Sacramento's G League affiliate -- to begin the season after signing a two-way contract on July 30, 2025. He played 15 games for Stockton and averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Sacramento called up Plowden during an injury-riddled season after witnessing his dominance in the G League. With injuries to Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and Russell Westbrook, Plowden stepped up as a reliable scorer.
He recorded 18 games scoring 10 points or more, including a 10-game stretch from March 8 to March 28. Plowden put together back-to-back career-high performances against the Charlotte Hornets (March 24) and the Orlando Magic (March 26).
The Kings' two-way guard posted a career-high 22 points against the Hornets and then eclipsed that against the Magic by scoring 23 points. Plowden became a bright spot during a dark stretch for the organization.
Coach Doug Christie had high praise for Plowden, who spent several seasons trying to make it in the NBA. His performance against Orlando cemented Christie’s confidence in him.
"Those are moments that it's probably uncomfortable, but I like looking at him right in his eyes. And I said, 'You belong here,'" Christie told reporters after the loss to the Magic.
Although the Kings are in the driver's seat to retain him, Plowden may struggle to find a spot for himself in the rotation. Sacramento added three rookies -- Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 7), Alex Karaban (No. 29) and Emanuel Sharp (No. 45) -- who are surely going to receive significant rotation minutes.
Sacramento is attempting to get off the contracts of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, but may be struggling to do so. LaVine has a $49 million player option, DeRozan could be waived or traded and Sabonis has received interest from multiple teams.
Regardless, Plowden became a reliable contributor for the Kings toward the end of the season and is a nice third-string guard to have on the roster in case another injury bug strikes.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
