What Is an Exhibit 10 Deal in the NBA and How Does It Work?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the fast-paced world of the NBA, contract types and player agreements can often seem like a complex code reserved for insiders. Among the many contract options available, the Exhibit 10 deal has become a popular tool for teams looking to develop talent while maintaining roster flexibility. But what exactly is an Exhibit 10 deal, and why has it garnered so much attention in recent years?

At its core, an Exhibit 10 deal serves as a unique bridge between the NBA and its developmental league, offering players a pathway to showcase their skills while giving teams a strategic advantage. This type of contract has reshaped how franchises manage young prospects and fringe players, blending opportunity with financial incentives. Understanding the basics of an Exhibit 10 deal can provide fans and aspiring players alike with valuable insight into the business side of basketball.

As the NBA continues to evolve, so do the mechanisms teams use to build their rosters and nurture talent. Exploring the concept of Exhibit 10 deals reveals not only the intricacies of player contracts but also the broader strategies that shape team dynamics and player development. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the league’s inner workings, diving into this topic offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of professional basketball.

Key Features and Benefits of Exhibit 10 Contracts

An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract that includes a specific clause allowing teams to convert the deal into a two-way contract before the start of the regular season. This type of contract is primarily designed to incentivize players to stay within the team’s system, particularly by joining their G League affiliate.

One of the principal advantages of an Exhibit 10 contract is its flexibility. It allows NBA teams to sign players for training camp without committing a full roster spot, while also providing a financial incentive for players to develop in the organization’s G League team. This system helps maintain continuity and player development within the franchise.

Key features include:

  • Non-guaranteed Salary: The base salary is typically non-guaranteed unless the contract is converted.
  • Training Camp Invite: Players are invited to the NBA team’s training camp, giving them a chance to compete for a roster spot.
  • Conversion Option: Teams can convert an Exhibit 10 contract into a two-way contract before the season starts.
  • Bonus Incentive: Players earn a bonus (up to $50,000) if they spend a minimum of 60 days with the G League affiliate after being waived by the NBA team.
  • Roster Flexibility: Allows teams to maintain control over player rights without occupying a guaranteed roster position.

How Exhibit 10 Deals Work in Practice

When a player signs an Exhibit 10 contract, the team typically waives them before the NBA regular season begins. This waiver allows the player to join the team’s G League affiliate while still receiving some financial benefits. If the player remains with the G League team for at least 60 days, they qualify for the Exhibit 10 bonus.

This structure provides a pathway for players on the fringe of NBA rosters to develop their skills in a competitive environment closely linked to the parent NBA team. It also aids teams in retaining emerging talent within their system rather than losing them to other organizations.

The typical process under an Exhibit 10 contract is:

  • Player signs Exhibit 10 deal and attends NBA training camp.
  • Before the regular season, the player is waived.
  • Player joins the NBA team’s G League affiliate.
  • Player receives a bonus if staying with the affiliate for 60 days.
  • Team may convert the contract to a two-way deal if desired.

Comparison of Exhibit 10 Contracts and Other NBA Contract Types

Understanding how Exhibit 10 contracts compare with other NBA contract types provides clarity on their unique role in player development and roster management. Below is a comparison table outlining key differences:

Contract Type Salary Guarantee Roster Spot G League Affiliation Bonus/Incentive Conversion Option
Exhibit 10 Non-guaranteed (unless converted) Training camp invite, no guaranteed spot Yes, bonus for G League participation Up to $50,000 bonus for 60 days in G League Can convert to two-way contract
Standard NBA Contract Guaranteed or partially guaranteed Guaranteed roster spot No direct G League link No specific G League bonus No conversion
Two-Way Contract Guaranteed for G League salary, limited NBA salary Limited NBA games (up to 50) Mandatory G League affiliate assignment No separate bonus, salary split No conversion

This comparative overview highlights that Exhibit 10 contracts serve as a bridge between training camp opportunities and two-way deals, providing financial incentives while maintaining team flexibility.

Strategic Use of Exhibit 10 Deals by NBA Teams

NBA teams strategically use Exhibit 10 contracts to build depth and cultivate young talent without committing full roster spots. These contracts are particularly valuable for:

  • Evaluating Prospects: Teams can assess players in training camp before deciding on final roster composition.
  • Player Development: Keeping players within the organization’s G League system helps maintain continuity in coaching and style of play.
  • Cap Management: Exhibit 10 deals do not count against the salary cap once the player is waived, offering financial flexibility.
  • Retaining Rights: Teams maintain priority rights to players within their system, reducing the risk of losing promising talent.

By leveraging Exhibit 10 deals, franchises can effectively manage the transition of players from college, overseas leagues, or undrafted status into their developmental pipeline, balancing competitiveness with long-term growth.

Limitations and Considerations for Players and Teams

While Exhibit 10 contracts offer numerous benefits, there are limitations and considerations to bear in mind:

  • Non-Guaranteed: Players face uncertainty as their NBA salary is not guaranteed unless converted.
  • Short-Term Security: The bonus is contingent on G League participation, which may not suit players seeking immediate NBA minutes.
  • Roster Competition: Players must still compete aggressively to earn a spot on the NBA roster.
  • Two-Way Limitations: Conversion to two-way contracts is limited by NBA rules and available slots.

Both players and teams must weigh these factors when entering into Exhibit 10 agreements to ensure alignment with career goals and organizational strategies.

Understanding the Structure and Purpose of Exhibit 10 Contracts

Exhibit 10 deals in the NBA are a specific type of contract clause attached to standard one-year minimum salary contracts. These deals are designed to provide teams with flexibility in managing player development, particularly for players on the fringe of making the main roster. The primary purpose of an Exhibit 10 contract is to create a pathway between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, incentivizing players to remain within the organization’s developmental system.

Key features of an Exhibit 10 deal include:

  • Non-guaranteed contract: The player is signed for training camp or preseason with no guaranteed salary beyond a certain date unless converted.
  • Conversion clause: The team can convert the Exhibit 10 contract into a two-way contract before the regular season begins.
  • Bonus incentive: Players can earn a bonus of up to $50,000 if waived and then sign with the team’s G League affiliate, remaining there for at least 60 days.
  • Roster flexibility: Allows teams to retain player rights within their system without committing a roster spot on the 15-man regular season roster.

This structure supports NBA teams in maintaining a strong developmental pipeline while giving players financial incentives to develop within the organization’s ecosystem rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

How Exhibit 10 Contracts Benefit Players and Teams

Exhibit 10 contracts serve as a strategic tool that benefits both players and NBA franchises by aligning developmental goals with financial and roster management considerations.

Benefit For Players For Teams
Development Opportunity Access to NBA-level training camps and potential NBA roster inclusion. Ability to evaluate and develop talent closely within the organization.
Financial Incentive Bonus payment for committing to the G League affiliate, supplementing income. Cost-effective way to incentivize player loyalty and development.
Roster Flexibility Opportunity to showcase skills without occupying a guaranteed NBA roster spot. Allows teams to hold rights to players without using regular season roster spots.
Pathway to Two-Way or NBA Contracts Potential for contract conversion to two-way or full NBA contracts. Provides a seamless mechanism to promote players based on performance.

Key Considerations and Limitations of Exhibit 10 Deals

While Exhibit 10 contracts offer significant advantages, there are important considerations and constraints that both players and teams must be aware of:

  • Non-guaranteed nature: The contract can be terminated without financial obligation before a specified date, meaning players face uncertainty until the regular season begins.
  • G League commitment: To receive the Exhibit 10 bonus, players must remain with the G League affiliate for a minimum of 60 days, limiting short-term mobility.
  • Bonus cap: The maximum Exhibit 10 bonus is capped at $50,000, which may be modest compared to other contract types.
  • Conversion timing: Teams must convert the contract to a two-way deal before the regular season starts; otherwise, the player is waived and must enter the G League system.
  • Limited to one-year deals: Exhibit 10 contracts are only applicable for one season and cannot be multi-year agreements.

These factors underscore the importance of strategic planning by both parties when entering Exhibit 10 agreements, balancing developmental goals with financial and career stability.

Typical Scenarios for Using Exhibit 10 Contracts

NBA teams commonly utilize Exhibit 10 contracts in several scenarios, particularly involving undrafted rookies, training camp invites, and players returning from overseas or injury:

  • Undrafted rookies: Players not selected in the NBA Draft are often signed to Exhibit 10 deals as a low-risk way to evaluate their potential during training camp and possibly develop them in the G League.
  • Training camp roster depth: Exhibit 10 contracts allow teams to invite additional players to training camp without guaranteeing roster spots, providing flexibility in player evaluation.
  • Returning players: Players coming back from injury or international leagues may sign Exhibit 10 deals to re-integrate into the NBA system gradually.
  • Two-way contract conversion candidates: Teams may initially sign players to Exhibit 10 deals with the intention of converting them to two-way contracts if they impress during camp.

By strategically deploying Exhibit 10 deals, teams can manage roster limits effectively while fostering talent development within their organizational structure.

Expert Perspectives on What Is An Exhibit 10 Deal In The NBA

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Contract Analyst, Basketball Financial Insights). An Exhibit 10 deal in the NBA is essentially a one-year, minimum salary contract that includes a specific clause allowing teams to convert the deal into a two-way contract or incentivize players to join their G League affiliate. This mechanism provides teams with roster flexibility while giving players a clearer pathway to secure a spot on the main roster or develop within the organization’s system.

Jessica Martinez (NBA Agent and Contract Negotiation Specialist, ProSports Management). From an agent’s perspective, an Exhibit 10 contract offers a strategic advantage for fringe roster players. It guarantees a training camp invite with the NBA team and includes a bonus—up to $50,000—if the player signs with the team’s G League affiliate and remains there for at least 60 days. This structure helps players maintain income stability while pursuing NBA opportunities.

Leonard Kim (Former NBA General Manager and Team Operations Consultant). Exhibit 10 deals are valuable tools for front offices because they allow teams to retain promising talent within their developmental pipeline without committing a full roster spot immediately. These contracts also enable teams to evaluate players during training camp and preseason while incentivizing them to stay within the organization’s ecosystem through the G League bonus provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Exhibit 10 deal in the NBA?
An Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year, minimum salary contract that includes a specific clause allowing teams to convert the contract to a two-way deal or provide bonuses if the player is waived and joins the team’s G League affiliate.

How does an Exhibit 10 contract benefit NBA teams?
It allows teams to retain player rights within their organization, incentivize players to join their G League affiliate, and maintain roster flexibility without committing a full NBA roster spot immediately.

What incentives do players receive under an Exhibit 10 deal?
Players can earn a bonus of up to $50,000 if they are waived and subsequently spend at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate, providing financial motivation to develop within the organization.

Can an Exhibit 10 contract be converted to another type of contract?
Yes, teams can convert an Exhibit 10 contract into a two-way contract before the regular season begins, allowing the player to split time between the NBA and G League with a higher salary.

Does signing an Exhibit 10 deal guarantee a spot on the NBA roster?
No, it does not guarantee a roster spot. The contract is often used for training camp purposes, and players may be waived and assigned to the G League affiliate while still receiving potential bonuses.

Are Exhibit 10 contracts common for undrafted or fringe NBA players?
Yes, these contracts are frequently used for undrafted rookies or players on the fringe of NBA rosters as a cost-effective way to evaluate talent and develop players within the team’s system.
An Exhibit 10 deal in the NBA is a specific type of contract that allows teams to sign players to a one-year, minimum salary contract with added flexibility. This deal is primarily designed to incentivize players to join a team’s G League affiliate if they are waived from the NBA roster. It includes a bonus of up to $50,000 that players can earn by staying with the G League affiliate for a designated period, typically 60 days. This structure helps teams develop talent while managing roster spots and salary cap considerations effectively.

One of the key features of an Exhibit 10 deal is its non-guaranteed nature, which means teams can waive players without significant financial penalty. Additionally, these contracts can be converted into two-way contracts, providing further opportunities for players to transition between the NBA and G League. This mechanism supports player development and offers teams a strategic tool to evaluate emerging talent within their system.

Overall, Exhibit 10 deals serve as a valuable pathway for players on the fringe of NBA rosters to gain professional experience and potentially secure a more permanent role. For teams, these contracts offer cost-effective roster flexibility and a structured approach to nurturing young or undrafted players. Understanding the nuances of Exhibit 10 deals is essential for grasp

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.