NBA GM
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What are Exhibit 9 and Exhibit 10 Contracts?

As teams are filling out their training camp rosters (which can expand to 21 players) players are being signed to what are colloquially known as “Exhibit 9 and Exhibit 10 contracts”. Exhibit 9 and Exhibit 10 contracts are not standalone contracts but rather clauses which involve additional terms regarding compensation and other aspects for players signed to certain short-term deals.
Exhibit 9
An Exhibit 9 contract refers to a specific clause used for one-year, non-guaranteed contracts offered to players during training camp. What this entails is that the negotiated contract does not guarantee the player’s salary if they are waived before the start of the regular season. It effectively eliminates a player’s right to receive their base compensation set out in their contract. This is the case even if the player gets injured, however teams may add special terms that guarantee some amount of money in the event of injury.Teams can only offer Exhibit 9 contracts if they have at least 14 other players under contract (excluding two-way contracts and other non-guaranteed contracts). An Exhibit 9 contract essentially allows players to try out for the roster during training camp with minimal financial risk for the teamThe team must waive the player before the first day of the regular season to terminate the contract without financial obligations.
Exhibit 10
An Exhibit 10 contract is an amendment added to a non-guaranteed Uniform Player Contract that gives the player specific benefits if they are waived before the season and then join the same team’s G League affiliate.The Exhibit 10 clause provides the player with the opportunity to earn a bonus ranging from $5,000 to $77,500 (determined by agreement between player and team when contract is signed) if they join the team’s G League affiliate and remain with the affiliate for at least 60 days during the G League season.In addition to the bonus, an Exhibit 10 contract can also be converted into a two-way contract. This gives the team flexibility to promote the player to a two-way deal if they perform well during training camp or the preseason, allowing the player to split time between the NBA and G League with added financial security.
Bottom Line
Exhibit 9 and Exhibit 10 contracts give teams flexibility to evaluate players during training camp while offering players a chance to earn roster spots or G League bonuses.
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Published September 24, 2024.