Of late, NBA fans may have been scouring the league’s transactions log and seeing players agreeing to Exhibit 10 contracts. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year deal for the league minimum, except it’s not guaranteed. They often include a bonus in the deal if the player is waived, and they spend at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate.
Here are seven notable players that are currently on Exhibit 10 deals, hoping to make their team’s opening night roster.
7 Notable NBA Players On Exhibit 10 Contracts
Malachi Flynn, San Antonio Spurs
It was on April 3, 2024 that Malachi Flynn dropped 50 points in a game with the Detroit Pistons. It could be argued that it was the most unexpected 50-point outing in league history. The 26-year-old Flynn remained unsigned for quite some time before agreeing on an Exhibit 10 deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The 29th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has averages of 5.5 points and 1.9 assists over four seasons.
Killian Hayes, Brooklyn Nets
Just four years ago, Killian Hayes was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Pistons. Detroit decided they had seen enough of him, and they released the 23-year-old in February. While Hayes has decent career averages of 8.1 points and 5.2 assists, he has been a very inefficient scorer (career 38.2% from the field, 27.7% from three-point range).
Kai Jones, Los Angeles Clippers
Kai Jones is probably more known for his social media activity than his play at the NBA level. The 19th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the six-foot-11 forward/center has played just 67 games in the NBA. He played in just two G League contests last season and never appeared in a game for the Philadelphia 76ers after signing a 10-day deal in March.
Kenneth Lofton Jr., Chicago Bulls
After going undrafted in 2022, Kenneth Lofton Jr. has only appeared in 45 games in the NBA. He has become a popular figure though due to his size (listed at 275 lbs.), and his production in the few games he has received minutes. On April 9, 2023, Lofton Jr. had a 42-point, 14-rebound outing with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 22-year-old averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the four games he played for the Utah Jazz in 2023-24.
Jaylen Nowell, Washington Wizards
In the 2022-23 season, Jaylen Nowell had a scoring average in double figures (10.8) with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite that, he was released prior to the 2023-24 season beginning. Nowell appeared in only 13 games last season after signing 10-day contracts with the Grizzlies and Pistons. The 25-year-old has averaged 8.9 points in his 197 career regular season games.
Chuma Okeke, New York Knicks
The 16th selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, Chuma Okeke played at least 25 minutes per game in both 2020-21 and 2021-22 with the Orlando Magic. His playing time dipped in the following two seasons though with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner garnering much of the forward minutes. While he’s proven to be a solid defender, Okeke has struggled with his shooting at the NBA level.
Lonnie Walker IV, Boston Celtics
Through six seasons, Lonnie Walker IV nearly has a double-digit career scoring average (9.8). He essentially averaged the same last season (9.7) with the Brooklyn Nets. The six-foot-four shooting guard just recently agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Boston Celtics. It may be difficult for him to make their opening night roster, as a report has surfaced that Boston may want to keep a roster spot open to begin the season.
