The NBA offers various types of contracts for basketball players. One of the most interesting and useful for both teams and players is the 10-day contract. If you watch basketball news, you will often hear about teams signing someone to a “10-day deal,” especially when injuries occur or during the busy middle of the NBA season. This article explains in detail what an NBA 10-day contract is, how much players get paid, why teams use it, and what it means for the future of athletes.
What Is an NBA 10-Day Contract?
A 10-day contract is a short-term agreement between an NBA team and a basketball player. As the name says, the deal lasts for only 10 days. It allows the team to add a new player to its roster on a temporary basis. This can happen twice with the same player during a season. After two 10-day deals, the team must make a choice: sign the player for the rest of the season or let him go.
Why Do Teams Use 10-Day Contracts?
NBA teams use 10-day contracts for several smart reasons:
Injuries: If a team has injured players and needs replacements fast.
Tryouts: To test a player’s skills before offering a longer deal.
Roster Flexibility: When a team wants to fill gaps in the lineup for a short period.
G League Call-Ups: When a player does well in the NBA’s minor league, the G League, and deserves a shot at the big stage.
10-day contracts help teams solve emergency problems and give talented players a quick chance to show what they can do.
NBA 10-Day Contract Salary
The salary for a 10-day contract is based on the minimum pay for NBA players. Minimum salaries differ depending on a player’s years of experience in the league. The more years a player has, the more money he earns—even for a short contract like this.
Example Salary Breakdown (2025 Season, Approximate):
0 years experience: About $65,000 for 10 days
3 years experience: About $85,000 for 10 days
10+ years: About $170,000 for 10 days
These figures are based on dividing the annual minimum salary (which is different for each experience level) by the number of days in the NBA season, then multiplying by 10. Salaries may change each year as the league updates its rules.
How Is the Day Rate Calculated?
Here’s a simple way to understand the pay:
Find out the player’s annual minimum salary (can change year to year).
Divide by 174, which is the number of days in a regular NBA season.
Multiply by 10 for the 10-day contract.
For example, if the annual minimum is $2 million:
Day rate = $2,000,000 ÷ 174 ≈ $11,494
10-day deal = $11,494 × 10 ≈ $114,940
Most 10-day signings are for players with less experience, so their contract totals are usually in the $60,000–$100,000 range.
Can a Player Get Multiple 10-Day Contracts?
Yes, but only two times per team each season. A player can sign with another team, though, and repeat the process. For example, a player might have a short stint with one team in January and another in March with a different team.
Other Important Rules About 10-Day Contracts
Teams can sign players to 10-day contracts only after January 5th each season.
Each team can sign a player to two 10-day deals in one season.
After two deals, teams decide if they want the player for the rest of the season.
Players earn vacation pay, insurance, and union benefits while under contract.
What Happens After a 10-Day Contract Ends?
Team Signs Player for the Rest of Season: If the player impresses, the team may offer a longer deal.
Player Returns to G League or Home: If no contract is offered, the player goes back to the minor league or becomes a free agent.
Repeat with Other Teams: A player could sign another 10-day deal with a different team.
Examples of Famous 10-Day Contracts
Many NBA success stories started with a 10-day contract. Athletes who took advantage made a career for themselves after these opportunities.
Spencer Dinwiddie: Used a 10-day contract to earn a full NBA deal.
Yogi Ferrell: Signed a 10-day deal and became a starter, earning a longer contract.
Langston Galloway: Went from the G League to a full-time NBA job this way.
Benefits of 10-Day Contracts
For Teams:
Lower financial risk
Flexibility in roster changes
Quick fix for injuries or weak spots
For Players:
Chance to showcase skills
Potential to earn a full contract
Valuable NBA experience
Challenges of 10-Day Contracts
Uncertainty: Players may move a lot and face stress.
Short Timeline: Must impress quickly; sometimes in just a few games.
Limited Security: No guarantee of more work after 10 days.
FAQs: NBA 10-Day Contract Salary
Q: Do NBA stars sign 10-day contracts?
No. Most 10-day deals are for younger players or veterans trying to get back in the league.
Q: How many games does a player usually play on a 10-day deal?
Usually, between 3 to 5 games, depending on the team’s schedule.
Q: Is a 10-day contract a good salary?
For the short time, yes! For example, $80,000 for 10 days is much higher than most jobs pay, but the contract is not guaranteed.
Q: Can players negotiate for more money?
No, the pay is set by the NBA’s rules and the player’s years of experience.
NBA 10-day contracts are important in basketball. They allow teams to fill holes fast and players to get a valuable shot at their NBA dreams. The pay is based on experience and gives athletes a short-term, but valuable, reward for their hard work. Knowing how 10-day contracts work helps fans understand the business side of the home of basketball stars and gives hope to all athletes dreaming of making it big.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.