The NBA’s 10-day contract is one of the most unique aspects of the league’s roster management system. It’s a lifeline for unsigned players hoping to prove their worth and a flexible tool for teams seeking short-term help. Let’s break down how this temporary deal works, the benefits it offers, and the salary limits involved.

What Is a 10-Day Contract?

A 10-day contract is exactly what it sounds like: a contract allowing a player to join an NBA team for 10 days or three games, whichever comes first. After this period, the team can decide to extend the contract for another 10 days or let the player go.

A team is allowed to sign a player to a maximum of two 10-day contracts in a single season. After that, they must either sign the player for the rest of the season or release them.

Who Can Sign a 10-Day Contract?

10-day contracts are often used during the NBA season when teams face injuries, roster shortages, or need extra support for a playoff push. Players who typically sign these deals include:

• Undrafted players trying to break into the league.
• Veterans looking for another shot at staying in the NBA.
• G League standouts earning a call-up to the big stage.

The NBA’s rules allow teams to sign 10-day contracts after January 5th of each season, ensuring that teams have enough time to evaluate their core rosters before using temporary signings.

What Are the Differences Between Standard and Hardship 10-Day Contracts?

There are two types of 10-day contracts: standard and hardship exception contracts. While both allow teams to temporarily sign players, there are notable differences between them:

A standard 10-day contract can only be signed if the team has an open roster spot within the league’s limit of 15 players.

A hardship exception 10-day contract is granted when a team is dealing with multiple injured or unavailable players, allowing them to temporarily exceed the 15-player limit.

Standard contracts don’t require special approval beyond league compliance with salary cap rules.

Hardship contracts need approval from the NBA, which reviews the team’s injury situation to confirm eligibility.

Both contracts last 10 days or three games, but hardship contracts can be signed even if the team is already at the maximum roster size.

Hardship contracts give teams extra leeway during crises, making them essential for navigating unexpected roster challenges.

For players, the terms and salary are identical regardless of the contract type. However, hardship contracts often provide opportunities for players who might not otherwise get a chance to showcase their skills.

How Much Do Players Earn on a 10-Day Contract?

The salary for a 10-day contract depends on the player’s years of experience in the NBA. The league sets minimum salary scales annually, and 10-day contracts are prorated based on these amounts.

For example, during the 2023-24 NBA season:

• A rookie or first-year player earns approximately $61,500 for a 10-day contract.
• A veteran with 10+ years of experience earns around $190,000 for the same deal.

Teams are responsible for paying the player’s salary, which counts toward the team’s salary cap. However, under the NBA’s hardship exception, a team can exceed the cap to sign a player on a 10-day deal if they have multiple injured players.

Benefits for Teams and Players

For teams, 10-day contracts provide an affordable way to plug roster gaps without making long-term commitments. They can experiment with new talent, bolster their bench, or navigate injury crises with minimal financial risk.

For players, these contracts offer an invaluable opportunity to showcase their skills. A strong showing can lead to a season-long deal, as seen with players like Jeremy Lin and Hassan Whiteside, who parlayed 10-day stints into lasting NBA careers.

Challenges and Realities

While 10-day contracts open doors, they come with high stakes. Players must adapt quickly to new systems, perform under pressure, and compete for minutes against established teammates. The short window means every practice and game carries significant weight.

For teams, the challenge lies in evaluating talent effectively in such a brief timeframe. The decision to extend or cut ties with a player can have ripple effects on roster flexibility and team chemistry.

The NBA’s 10-day contract is a win-win for teams and players, combining flexibility with opportunity. For teams, it’s a cost-effective way to address immediate needs. For players, it’s a chance to prove they belong on basketball’s biggest stage.

Whether it’s a stepping stone to a long-term career or a brief moment in the spotlight, the 10-day contract adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the league.