what is an nba exhibit 10 contract

An NBA Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum-salary, non-guaranteed deal that teams use mainly to bring a player into training camp and evaluate them before the season.

Quick Scoop

It usually works like this:

• The player gets a camp invite and a chance to make the roster.

• The team can convert the deal into a two-way contract before the regular season starts.

• If the player is waived and then spends at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate, they can earn a bonus, often between $5,000 and $75,000 depending on the season and terms.

Why Teams Use It

Teams like Exhibit 10 deals because they are low-risk and flexible during the offseason. They are especially common for undrafted rookies, fringe roster players, and summer league invitees who are trying to prove they belong.

What It Means For Players

For players, it is basically a pathway deal: perform well in camp, earn a two- way spot, or at least get a bonus and a G League opportunity. It does not usually mean a secure NBA roster spot, but it does create a real chance to stay in the organization.

Simple Example

A team signs a player to an Exhibit 10 contract in September. If he impresses in camp, the team might convert him to a two-way deal; if not, they can waive him and send him to their G League affiliate, where he can still earn the bonus after 60 days.

Extra Note

These contracts do not count against the salary cap during the offseason, but if the player stays on the regular-season roster, the deal becomes a standard minimum NBA contract.