Breakdown why Mac McClung was let go 3 Hours After Signing with Bulls
Why NBA Teams Sign a Player and Then Waive Him Hours Later
Understanding the Business Strategy Behind These Moves
At first glance, it can look confusing or even disrespectful when an NBA team signs a player, only to release him just a few hours later. Fans often assume something went wrong or the team changed its mind. In reality, this is a very common and strategic move used by NBA front offices every preseason. It has less to do with on-court evaluation and more to do with roster rules, G League control, and financial structure.
This article explains, in clear terms, why teams do this and how it benefits both the organization and sometimes even the player.
It’s Not Always About the NBA Roster
When a team signs a player, it doesn’t always mean they plan to keep him on the main NBA roster. In many cases, the team actually wants the player for their G League affiliate.
However, NBA rules state that to gain G League rights to a player, the team must first sign him to an NBA contract and then waive him. It is essentially a required paperwork step—sign, then waive—so the team can officially direct that player to their G League team if he chooses to play there.
The Role of the Exhibit 10 Contract
Most of these deals involve what is called an “Exhibit 10 contract.”
An Exhibit 10 contract allows the team to:
Bring the player into training camp. Convert the contract into a two-way deal if they choose. Waive the player and still offer a bonus (up to approximately $85,000) if he plays for their G League team for around 60 days.
This bonus does not count against the NBA salary cap. It is a cost-effective way for the team to reward the player and encourage him to stay in the organization instead of signing overseas or with another G League team.
In short, Exhibit 10 deals are not fake contracts. They are strategic tools used to build depth.
Low Risk, High Flexibility for the Team
Exhibit 10 and training camp contracts are non-guaranteed. This means if the team changes direction or the player gets injured, the team is not committed to a full-season salary. It offers flexibility and protection while still giving the player an opportunity to compete for a roster or two-way spot.
Roster Limits Force Quick Moves
During the offseason, teams can carry up to 21 players. But before the regular season begins, teams must trim down to a maximum of 18 players total (15 standard NBA contracts plus 3 two-way contracts).
This deadline causes a rapid wave of transactions right before the season. Teams will often sign a player simply to complete the process needed for G League rights, then waive him within hours so they can meet roster limits on time.
This explains why fans frequently see multiple sign-and-waive moves in the same day across the league.
Long-Term Planning and Depth
Even if a player is waived, the relationship does not end. Placing the player on the team’s G League affiliate allows the organization to:
Develop the player in their own system. Teach him their playbook and culture. Keep him close in case of injuries or roster changes.
If a need arises during the season, the team can quickly call the player up because he is already within their development pipeline. This is smart long-term planning rather than a short-term decision.
How Common Is This?
This is not rare at all. It happens every single preseason across the entire NBA. In fact, there are usually dozens of players who are signed and then waived within hours or days, especially in the final week before roster deadlines.
This process is most common for:
Fringe NBA players G League standouts Young prospects Fan-favorite players without guaranteed contracts Players like Mac McClung
It is a standard roster management tactic used by nearly every team.
The Mac McClung and Chicago Bulls Example
When the Chicago Bulls signed Mac McClung and waived him three hours later, it was almost certainly a strategic move.
What likely happened:
The Bulls signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract. They waived him to keep his G League rights. He will likely play for the Windy City Bulls (their G League affiliate). If he stays there long enough, he can earn a bonus of around $80,000. If the Bulls need backcourt help later, they can call him up immediately.
This was not a mistake or disrespect. It was a calculated move to keep him in the organization while maintaining roster flexibility.
Final Takeaway
NBA teams do not always sign players with the intention of keeping them on the main roster. Sometimes they are using league rules, contract structures, and timing requirements to control G League rights, provide bonuses, protect financial flexibility, and plan for future roster needs.
Signing and waiving a player within hours may look odd to fans, but inside NBA front offices, it is a normal and intelligent business strategy that happens every year—and often benefits both the team and the player.
