NBA Roster, Contract Deadlines To Watch In October

October marks a critical period in the NBA with several key deadlines for roster and contract decisions as the 2025/26 regular season approaches. Teams must finalize their rosters by 4:00 pm Central time on Monday, October 20, adhering to limits of 15 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals. However, many clubs are expected to make final cuts by Saturday, October 18, to avoid paying salaries for players on non-guaranteed contracts, as waiving them after this date could result in partial salary obligations due to waiver processing times.

For players with partially or fully guaranteed salaries, teams have more flexibility to wait until October 20 for waivers, as illustrated by examples like the Nets' Jalen Wilson, who would receive his partial guarantee regardless. In contrast, non-guaranteed players like Tyrese Martin are likely to be cut earlier to prevent unnecessary salary payments. Additionally, Exhibit 10 contracts can be converted to two-way deals only until October 20; otherwise, they become standard non-guaranteed contracts, with players surviving roster cuts by October 18 being strong candidates for conversion or 15-man roster spots.

Another significant deadline is for rookie scale extensions, set for October 20 at 5:00 pm Central time. As of now, five eligible players have signed extensions, with 16 others still negotiating to avoid the 2026 free agent market. Notable candidates include Dyson Daniels, Christian Braun, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and Keegan Murray, and historical trends suggest more signings are likely. For veteran extensions, eligible players in their contract's final year can sign anytime up to June 30, 2026, offering greater flexibility beyond the October deadlines.