NBA teams use different types of contracts to manage their rosters, especially when developing young players. Two of the most common types outside the standard NBA contracts are two-way contracts and Exhibit 10 contracts. These deals help teams balance their main roster while nurturing talent in the G League.
A two-way contract allows a player to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate. Players on these contracts can spend up to 50 games with the NBA club during the regular season. This system helps younger or less experienced players gain NBA exposure while continuing to develop in the G League.
Players on two-way contracts earn a salary that changes depending on where they play. When with the NBA team, they receive a prorated NBA minimum salary. While in the G League, their pay is significantly lower, but the two-way deal provides more financial stability than a standard G League contract.
On the other hand, an Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract with specific bonuses tied to the player’s performance and roster status. These contracts are often signed during training camp and can be converted into two-way contracts before the season starts.
A key feature of Exhibit 10 deals is the bonus offered to players who get waived and then join the team’s G League affiliate. This bonus can be up to $50,000, incentivizing players to stay within the organization’s system even if they don’t make the NBA roster immediately.
Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed, meaning teams can release players without financial penalties before the regular season. This flexibility allows franchises to evaluate players closely during camp and preseason.
Together, these contract types serve as important tools for NBA teams aiming to develop talent without committing full roster spots or large guaranteed salaries. Two-way contracts provide clear pathways between the G League and NBA, while Exhibit 10 deals offer a low-risk method to retain promising players.
