what is an exhibit 10 contract

An Exhibit 10 contract is an NBA one-year, minimum-salary, non-guaranteed deal that often includes a bonus if the player is waived and then joins the team’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days.

What it means

Teams use these contracts in training camp to evaluate fringe roster players, undrafted rookies, or players trying to earn a spot. The contract can also be converted into a two-way deal before the regular season starts.

Why teams use it

• It gives teams roster flexibility during camp.

• It lets teams keep a player in their development system with a financial incentive.

• It does not count against the salary cap unless it turns into a regular NBA contract.

What the player can get

If the player is waived and then stays with the team’s G League affiliate long enough, they can earn an Exhibit 10 bonus, which sources describe as ranging from $5,000 up to $50,000 or higher in newer seasons depending on the league year. The exact amount depends on the contract and the current CBA limits.

Simple example

A player signs an Exhibit 10 deal in September, goes to training camp, gets waived before the season, then reports to the team’s G League affiliate and stays there for 60 days. In that case, the bonus kicks in.

In plain English

It is basically a low-risk NBA tryout contract with a built-in reward for sticking with the organization’s development team.