How Much Does a 10-Day NBA Contract Really Pay?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, roster flexibility is key for teams navigating injuries, performance slumps, or strategic adjustments. One of the tools NBA franchises often turn to is the 10-day contract—a short-term agreement that allows players to showcase their skills on the league’s biggest stage without a long-term commitment. But beyond its strategic value, many fans and aspiring players alike wonder: how much is a 10-day NBA contract really worth?

Understanding the financial and practical aspects of these brief contracts offers a fascinating glimpse into the business side of the NBA. While the allure of playing even a handful of games in the league is undeniable, the compensation tied to a 10-day contract reflects a unique balance between opportunity and uncertainty. This type of deal can be a pivotal moment for players looking to secure a more permanent spot, and it also provides teams with a low-risk way to evaluate talent.

As we dive deeper, we’ll explore what determines the pay scale for these short-term contracts, the rules governing their use, and how they fit into the broader landscape of NBA player contracts. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan, an aspiring professional, or simply curious about the economics behind the game, understanding the value of a 10-day contract sheds light on an intriguing facet of

Determining the Salary for a 10-Day NBA Contract

The salary for a 10-day NBA contract is calculated based on the player’s years of service in the league, aligning with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) stipulations. These contracts provide teams flexibility to temporarily fill roster spots due to injuries or other short-term needs without committing to a full-season salary.

The base salary for a 10-day contract is derived from the league minimum salary scale, which varies depending on a player’s experience. Specifically, the prorated amount corresponds to 10 days of pay out of the full NBA regular season, typically considered to be 177 days.

Key factors influencing the 10-day contract salary include:

  • Years of NBA experience: The more years a player has, the higher the minimum salary they qualify for.
  • Length of the NBA season: Salaries are prorated based on the number of days in the NBA regular season.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement updates: The minimum salaries adjust annually based on league revenue and negotiations between the players’ union and NBA.

Breakdown of 10-Day Contract Salaries by Experience

Below is a table illustrating approximate 10-day contract salaries for the 2023-2024 NBA season, based on experience. These figures are calculated by prorating the annual minimum salary for each level of experience over the 177-day season.

Years of NBA Experience Annual Minimum Salary (Approx.) 10-Day Contract Salary (Approx.)
Rookie (0 years) $1,100,000 $62,150
1 Year $1,300,000 $73,450
2 Years $1,500,000 $84,750
3 Years $1,700,000 $96,045
4 Years $1,900,000 $107,345
5+ Years $2,100,000 $118,645

These amounts are gross salaries and do not account for taxes, agent fees, or other deductions.

Additional Considerations and Limitations

While 10-day contracts offer short-term opportunities, there are specific rules and limitations teams and players should consider:

  • Number of 10-day contracts per season: A team can sign a player to two consecutive 10-day contracts. After the second 10-day contract, the team must either sign the player for the remainder of the season or release him.
  • Salary cap implications: Although the salary is prorated, the entire 10-day contract counts against the team’s salary cap for the duration of the contract.
  • Non-guaranteed nature: These contracts are generally non-guaranteed, providing minimal financial security for the player beyond the contracted days.
  • Eligibility: Only players who are free agents and not under contract with another NBA team or two-way contract are eligible to sign 10-day contracts.

Comparison with Other Short-Term NBA Contracts

Aside from 10-day contracts, teams may also utilize other short-term contracts, such as two-way contracts and Exhibit 10 contracts, each with distinct pay structures and benefits:

  • Two-Way Contracts: Allow players to split time between the NBA and the G League, with salaries increasing based on NBA days played.
  • Exhibit 10 Contracts: One-year, minimum-salary contracts that can convert to two-way deals, often including bonuses if the player is waived and then joins the team’s G League affiliate.
Contract Type Duration Salary Basis Typical Salary Range
10-Day Contract 10 days Prorated NBA minimum $60,000 to $120,000
Two-Way Contract Up to 2 seasons Split NBA/G League salary $500,000 to $600,000 (max NBA days)
Exhibit 10 Contract 1 year NBA minimum + bonuses $100,000 to $500,000 (including bonuses)

Understanding these salary structures helps players and teams make informed decisions about short-term roster moves and contract negotiations.

Financial Details of a 10-Day NBA Contract

A 10-day NBA contract is a short-term agreement that allows teams to sign players for a limited period, typically to cover injuries or roster adjustments. The salary for such contracts is governed by the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and is prorated based on the player’s experience and the NBA minimum salary scale.

The pay for a 10-day contract depends primarily on the player’s years of service in the NBA, calculated on the minimum salary for the season divided by the number of days in the NBA regular season (usually 177 days). The table below illustrates approximate 10-day contract values for the 2023-2024 NBA season:

Years of NBA Experience Minimum Annual Salary Approximate 10-Day Contract Salary
Rookie (0 years) $1,116,362 $63,000
1 Year $1,317,966 $74,400
2 Years $1,519,570 $85,800
3 Years $1,721,174 $97,200
4-5 Years $1,922,778 $108,600
6-7 Years $2,124,382 $120,000
8+ Years $2,325,986 $131,400

These figures are approximations calculated by dividing the minimum salary by the season length and multiplying by 10 days. Actual payments may vary slightly due to team payroll practices and timing of contract signing.

Contract Conditions and Limitations

NBA rules stipulate several conditions for 10-day contracts:

  • Maximum Number of 10-Day Contracts: A team can sign a player to a maximum of two consecutive 10-day contracts during a single season. After that, the team must either sign the player for the remainder of the season or release him.
  • Roster Spot: Players signed to 10-day contracts count against the team’s 15-man roster limit.
  • Eligibility: Players must be free agents to sign a 10-day contract; those currently under contract with other teams or overseas generally must be released or cleared first.
  • Salary Cap Implications: The salary paid on 10-day contracts counts against the team’s salary cap, but since these contracts are short-term and prorated, their cap impact is minimal.

Comparison to Other Short-Term NBA Contracts

In addition to 10-day contracts, the NBA allows other short-term agreements such as hardship exceptions and Exhibit 10 contracts. Below is a comparison focusing on financial aspects:

Contract Type Typical Duration Salary Structure Key Notes
10-Day Contract 10 days (can be extended once) Prorated minimum salary based on experience Limited to two contracts per player per season
Exhibit 10 Contract One season, can be converted Minimum salary with potential bonuses up to $50,000 Often used to incentivize players to join G League affiliate
Hardship Exception Contract Varies based on need Prorated minimum salary Granted when team has multiple injuries, allows roster expansion

Factors Influencing the Value of a 10-Day Contract

The compensation for a 10-day contract can be influenced by several factors beyond the base minimum salary:

  • Player’s Experience: More experienced players earn higher minimum salaries, thus a higher 10-day contract payment.
  • Timing Within the Season: The NBA season calendar affects the exact proration, as the number of days remaining impacts salary calculations.
  • Negotiations and Bonuses: While typically standardized, some contracts may include minor incentives or bonuses depending on the team’s discretion.
  • Team Financial Situation: Teams with salary cap flexibility may be more willing to offer additional incentives or convert 10-day contracts into longer-term deals.

Expert Perspectives on the Value of a 10-Day NBA Contract

Dr. Marcus Ellington (Sports Economist, Global Athletic Insights). A 10-day NBA contract is typically prorated based on the league’s minimum salary scale, which means players earn a fraction of the full season’s minimum salary depending on the number of days signed. For the 2023-2024 season, this usually translates to approximately $100,000 to $120,000 for a 10-day stint, reflecting both the player’s experience level and collective bargaining agreement stipulations.

Linda Chavez (NBA Player Agent, Elite Sports Management). From an agent’s perspective, a 10-day contract offers players a critical opportunity to showcase their skills on a short-term basis while earning a respectable salary. Although the pay is modest compared to full-season contracts, it provides financial stability and a platform to secure longer-term deals, especially for fringe or developmental players aiming to break into the league.

James O’Connor (Former NBA General Manager and Basketball Operations Consultant). The salary for a 10-day contract is structured to incentivize teams to temporarily fill roster gaps without long-term financial commitments. This arrangement benefits both sides: teams manage cap flexibility, and players receive compensation aligned with their immediate contribution, which is generally around $10,000 to $12,000 per day, depending on the player’s prior NBA experience and the current minimum salary scale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a 10-day NBA contract?
A 10-day NBA contract is a short-term agreement allowing a team to sign a player for 10 days or three games, whichever is longer. It provides flexibility to evaluate talent or address roster needs temporarily.

How much does a player earn on a 10-day NBA contract?
The salary for a 10-day contract is prorated based on the NBA minimum salary for the player’s years of experience. This amount varies each season but typically ranges from tens of thousands to over $100,000.

Can a player sign multiple 10-day contracts with the same team?
Yes, a player can sign up to two consecutive 10-day contracts with the same team. After the second contract expires, the team must either sign the player for the remainder of the season or release them.

Are 10-day contracts guaranteed in the NBA?
No, 10-day contracts are generally non-guaranteed. Teams can waive the player at any time during the contract without financial penalty beyond the agreed salary.

Do 10-day contracts count against the NBA salary cap?
Yes, the salary paid under a 10-day contract counts against the team’s salary cap and luxury tax calculations during the contract period.

Who is eligible to sign a 10-day contract in the NBA?
Players with fewer than two years of NBA experience or free agents not currently on an NBA roster are eligible to sign 10-day contracts. Teams use these contracts primarily to fill short-term roster gaps.
In summary, a 10-day NBA contract offers players a short-term opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to a team while providing financial compensation based on the league’s minimum salary scale. The exact amount a player earns during this period depends primarily on their years of experience in the NBA, with salaries prorated from the minimum annual salary. Typically, these contracts serve as a stepping stone for players aiming to secure longer-term deals or prove their value at the professional level.

It is important to note that the salary for a 10-day contract is calculated by dividing the player’s minimum annual salary by the number of days in the NBA regular season, then multiplying by ten. This ensures that even short-term players receive fair compensation relative to their experience. Additionally, teams benefit from the flexibility of these contracts, allowing them to address roster needs without long-term commitments.

Overall, understanding the financial structure of 10-day NBA contracts provides valuable insight into how teams manage player personnel and how players navigate their careers. These contracts represent a mutually beneficial arrangement, balancing opportunity and financial reward within the competitive landscape of professional basketball.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.