The Sacramento Kings made a move on July 2, 2026, officially signing forward Jonathan Mogbo to a two-way contract. This news, while seemingly minor, comes with significant implications for the team's developmental strategy and opens a discussion about who might fill their remaining two-way spots. Mogbo, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward, was the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, where he spent two seasons.
Mogbo's NBA career to date includes averages of 4.4 points and 3.7 rebounds across 103 games (18 starts) with the Raptors. His collegiate career at San Francisco saw him average 14.2 points and 10.1 rebounds in 34 starts during his junior season. The Kings also signed guard Adam Flagler to a two-way deal on the same day. This leaves Sacramento with one open two-way slot, as teams are now allowed to carry up to three players on these contracts under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Two-way players will earn $678,882 in the 2026-27 season, half of the rookie minimum.
Sacramento's decision to bring in Mogbo suggests a focus on adding versatile, high-motor forwards who can contribute defensively and on the glass. Mogbo, with his G-League experience, offers a more polished option compared to some raw prospects. His ability to defend multiple positions and finish around the rim fits the mold of a modern NBA role player. Bolstering their depth with players who can make an immediate impact, even in limited minutes, is a pragmatic approach.
The Kings have a recent history of utilizing two-way contracts to develop talent, as seen with players like Keon Ellis and Jalen Slawson in previous seasons. Slawson, for instance, was drafted 54th overall in 2023 by Sacramento and initially signed a two-way deal. He later spent time with the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers, averaging 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 13 appearances for the Pacers in the 2025-26 season. Colby Jones, another 2023 second-round pick, also started with the Kings on a four-year, $8.76 million rookie contract, a pioneering deal under the NBA's new second-round pick exception.
With one two-way spot remaining, the Kings now face a choice. Do they prioritize a guard to complement Flagler, or another frontcourt player to pair with Mogbo? The team needs to consider how any new signing integrates with their existing roster, which currently includes Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban, and Emanuel Sharp from the 2026 draft, all signed to standard or second-round exception contracts. The deadline for signing two-way contracts is March 4, giving the front office ample time to evaluate potential candidates throughout Summer League and training camp.
