Daeqwon Plowden has made quite the journey from going undrafted to earning his spot with the Atlanta Hawks on a two-way contract. The Philadelphia native’s persistence through multiple team changes and G League stints shows his determination to make it in the NBA. At 26 years old, Plowden is finally getting his chance to showcase his skills at the highest level of basketball.
Daeqwon Plowden’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daeqwon R. Plowden |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Education | Bowling Green State University (2017-2022) |
| High School | Mastery Charter North School |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’6″ (1.98m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | $400,000 to $500,000 |
| Current Salary | $359,117 (2024-25 season) |
| Current Team | Atlanta Hawks (Two-way contract) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| @_dae29 | |
| @DaeqwonPlowden |
Early Career
Daeqwon Plowden’s basketball story began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was born to Derek Plowden Sr. and Margaret Gilliam. Growing up in a basketball-loving family with his older brother Derek and younger sisters Denae and Ahderah, Plowden developed his passion for the game early on.
His talent became evident during his time at Mastery Charter North School, where he made history as the first player to score over 1,000 career points.
During his high school career, Plowden established himself as one of Pennsylvania’s top players. He earned All-State honors twice and was named Player of the Year in two different divisions. His senior year was particularly impressive, averaging 16 points per game while serving as team captain.
Under his leadership, the team achieved a remarkable 24-7 record and reached the PIAA Class 2A State Championship game, where he put up 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Plowden’s high school success caught the attention of college scouts, leading to his recruitment by Bowling Green State University. ESPN ranked him in the Top 100 at his position for the class of 2017, and he was considered the 20th-best player in Pennsylvania.
His combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability made him an attractive prospect for the Falcons, who offered him a full scholarship to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level.
Professional Career
After completing five successful seasons at Bowling Green, Plowden entered the 2022 NBA Draft with high hopes. Despite his impressive college resume, which included multiple All-MAC selections and setting the program record for games played with 154 appearances, he went undrafted.
This setback didn’t deter him from pursuing his NBA dreams, and he quickly signed with the New Orleans Pelicans for Summer League play.
Plowden’s professional career has been characterized by persistence and determination. After being waived by the Pelicans in October 2022, he joined their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.
The following season brought another opportunity with the Orlando Magic, though he was again waived and sent to their G League team, the Osceola Magic. His breakthrough moment came in July 2024 when the Golden State Warriors signed him to a two-way contract after impressive Summer League performances.
The Warriors coaching staff praised Plowden’s work ethic and versatility during Summer League play. Coach Anthony Vereen specifically highlighted his ability to contribute without plays being called for him, noting that he “doesn’t take a play off” and showed he belonged in the NBA.
Despite positive reviews, Golden State waived him in September 2024 to make roster space. However, his talent didn’t go unnoticed, and the Atlanta Hawks quickly signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract before eventually offering him a two-way deal in December 2024.
Daeqwon Plowden’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Daeqwon Plowden’s estimated net worth is approximately $400,000 to $500,000.
Contract
Daeqwon Plowden currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks on a two-way contract that he signed on December 27, 2024. This type of contract allows him to split time between the Hawks and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
Two-way contracts are designed to help developing players gain experience at both the NBA and G League levels while providing teams flexibility in roster management. His current deal runs through the 2025-26 season, after which he will become a restricted free agent.
Salary
Plowden’s salary for the 2024-25 season is $359,117, according to contract details. However, different sources report slightly varying figures, with some showing his total compensation at $424,951 when including G League earnings.
Two-way contracts have specific salary structures that depend on how much time players spend with the NBA team versus the G League affiliate. When he plays for the Atlanta Hawks, he earns the NBA portion of his salary, but when assigned to College Park, he receives G League compensation. This system allows young players to develop their skills while earning a professional salary.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Contract Type | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Birmingham Squadron | G League | ~$40,000 |
| 2023-24 | Osceola Magic | G League | ~$40,000 |
| 2024 | Golden State Warriors | Two-way (partial) | ~$77,500 |
| 2024-25 | Atlanta Hawks | Two-way | $359,117 |
| 2025-26 | Atlanta Hawks | Two-way (projected) | $636,434 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | League | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (2017–22) | Bowling Green Falcons | NCAA | 154 | 10.5 | 6.1 | 1.3 | 46.8 | 39.0 | 76.0 |
| 2022–23 | Birmingham Squadron | NBA G League | 24 | 8.3 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 43.7 | 36.8 | 70.5 |
| 2023–24 | Osceola Magic | NBA G League | 33 | 10.9 | 4.3 | 1.4 | 46.8 | 39.0 | 76.0 |
| 2024–25 | College Park Skyhawks | NBA G League | 29 | 15.4 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 39.5 | 30.2 | 81.2 |
| 2024–25 | Atlanta Hawks | NBA | 6 | 7.2 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 64.0 | 52.9 | 100.0 |
FAQs
1. How much does Daeqwon Plowden make per year?
Daeqwon Plowden earns $359,117 for the 2024-25 season on his two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks. His salary is projected to increase to approximately $636,434 for the 2025-26 season if he remains with the organization under the same contract structure.
2. What college did Daeqwon Plowden attend?
Plowden attended Bowling Green State University from 2017 to 2022, where he played five seasons for the Falcons. He set the program record for games played with 154 appearances and finished his college career with 1,618 points and 935 rebounds while earning multiple All-MAC selections.
3. Why did Daeqwon Plowden go undrafted?
Despite his impressive college career at Bowling Green, Plowden went undrafted likely due to his age (24 at the time), limited experience against top-tier competition, and concerns about his upside as an older prospect. Many scouts felt he needed more development time.
4. What is Daeqwon Plowden’s height and position?
Plowden stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds. He primarily plays shooting guard and small forward, utilizing his size and athleticism as a versatile wing player who can defend multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the court.
5. How many NBA teams has Plowden played for?
Plowden has been signed by four different NBA organizations since going undrafted: the New Orleans Pelicans (2022), Orlando Magic (2023), Golden State Warriors (2024), and currently the Atlanta Hawks (2024-present). However, he has only appeared in actual NBA games for the Hawks, playing six games during the 2024-25 season.
