Understanding Two-Way Contracts
Two-way contracts were introduced in the 2017-18 season to create a more structured pipeline between the NBA and G-League. Each team can sign up to two players to two-way deals, allowing them to spend up to 50 days with the NBA club (later removed in 2023) while spending the rest of their time in the G-League.
The most successful two-way players include Caleb Martin, who went from a two-way deal with the Heat to a key contributor in their 2023 Finals run, and Jalen Brunson, who briefly was on a two-way before becoming an All-Star. See also: G-League Pipeline, 10-Day Contracts, and Hardship Exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a two-way contract?
A two-way contract allows a player to split time between an NBA team and its G-League affiliate. The salary is significantly less than a standard NBA contract, typically around $500,000-$600,000.
How many two-way players can a team have?
Each NBA team can have up to two players on two-way contracts at any given time, in addition to their 15-man standard roster.
Can two-way players play in the playoffs?
As of the 2023-24 season, two-way players are eligible for the playoffs. Previously, they had to be converted to a standard contract to be playoff-eligible.
What does it mean to 'convert' a two-way contract?
Converting means the team signs the player to a standard NBA contract (minimum 1 year), giving them a full roster spot. This is considered a success for the two-way system.