If you`re an NBA fan, you may have heard the term “10-day contract” thrown around during the offseason or even during the regular season. But what exactly does this mean, and what is a 10-day contract worth? Let`s take a closer look.
First, what is a 10-day contract? Simply put, it`s a short-term contract that NBA teams can offer to free agents. As the name suggests, a 10-day contract lasts for ten days, after which the team has to decide whether to sign the player for the rest of the season or let them go.
Why would a team sign a player to a 10-day contract? There are a few reasons. For one thing, it gives the team a chance to evaluate the player in real-game situations without committing to a long-term contract. Maybe the team has a roster spot open due to injury, and they need someone to fill in temporarily. Or perhaps they`re looking for a specific skill set, like three-point shooting or interior defense, and want to see if the player can provide it.
So, what is a 10-day contract worth? In terms of money, it`s not much. The minimum salary for a 10-day contract in the 2021-2022 season is $114,158. The player only receives this amount for the days they`re actually on the team`s roster, so if they`re signed to a 10-day contract but only play in three games, they`ll only receive a prorated portion of that amount.
However, a 10-day contract can be worth a lot in terms of opportunity. For a player trying to break into the NBA or establish themselves after time away from the league, a 10-day contract can be a chance to prove themselves and earn a longer-term deal. Many players have parlayed a 10-day contract into a successful career in the NBA.
On the team`s side, a successful 10-day contract can be a win as well. They may find a diamond in the rough who can help them in the short and long term, or they may decide to sign a player to a longer-term contract after evaluating them on a 10-day deal.
In conclusion, a 10-day contract in the NBA may not be worth much in terms of money, but it can be a valuable opportunity for both the player and the team. It allows for evaluation in real-game situations without a long-term commitment, and can lead to bigger things for everyone involved.