The seventh team still has a two-way contract slot: Although Zeng Fanbo did not play in his debut, he is still favored; the China games become a crucial opportunity.

On October 6th Beijing time, Zeng Fanbo did not get playing time in the Nets’ first preseason game, yet he is still expected to secure the last two-way contract spot. US media sources indicate that only seven teams across the league currently have two-way slots remaining.

These seven teams are the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Most players who join training camps on Exhibit 10 contracts eventually end up playing for these teams’ G League affiliates. However, for players signed on Exhibit 10 contracts by the above seven teams, there is a chance to compete for a spot on the 18-man regular-season roster (15 standard contracts plus 3 two-way contracts).

Exhibit 10 contracts can be converted into two-way contracts before the season starts, so these teams are essentially openly competing for the final two-way contract slot.Apart from the Nets (Zeng Fanbo) and Mavericks (Moussa Cisse, Matthew Cleveland), all other teams have at least four players on Exhibit 10 contracts in their training camps.

In other words, Zeng Fanbo currently faces no competition from Exhibit 10 contract players within the Nets, but since the Nets’ regular roster is over the limit, cuts are still necessary. Previously, Nets insider reports indicated Zeng Fanbo is the favorite to secure the last two-way contract. Even though he didn’t play in the first game, he is expected to get significant minutes during the China games, which is the most critical opportunity.

In the coming weeks, not all players with Exhibit 10 contracts will have their deals converted into two-way contracts. For example, the Cavaliers’ training camp includes Killian Hayes, Chaney Johnson, Miller Kopp, Nocard Omier, and Tristan Enaruna on Exhibit 10 deals, but only the latter four qualify for conversion—Hayes has five years of NBA experience and does not meet the criteria. A player is eligible for a two-way contract only if this season is their first, second, third, or fourth in the NBA.

Although most of these seven teams may award their two-way slots to standout invitees from training camp, not all will fill their remaining spots this way. During late preseason roster cuts, attractive two-way contract candidates may be waived, allowing these teams to pursue free agents to fill the third two-way slot.

Even teams that have already filled all three two-way slots may adjust their rosters between now and the regular season opener, potentially releasing some current two-way players and creating more opportunities for teams still seeking to fill vacancies.

Two-way contract players can be active on an NBA regular-season roster for up to 50 games; if retained at least until January 8th, their salary can reach up to $636,435 (about half the rookie minimum). Teams can continue to make changes to their two-way players until March 4th.