As tryouts are a method for organizations, from middle school to the professionals, to assess whether a player is a good fit, NBA teams have put their own distinct twist on things. Some offer ten-day contracts, pull players from the G-League, or sign players to veteran minimum contracts once the trade deadline in February is wrapped up.
However, the LA Clippers employed a common strategy on TyTy Washington Jr. by offering him an Exhibit 10 contract. The name of this deal may sound scary and unrecognizable to some, but Washington Jr. will be with the Clippers for at least one season, allowing the front office to evaluate his potential without the distraction of taxes and fees.
Along with Exhibit-10 is a deal known as Exhibit-9, and this is what the Milwaukee Bucks used on the homegrown Clipper, Amir Coffey. Most thought the Bucks had signed him to a one-year deal, but there were still details that were not cleared up, as Coffey signed when the NBA schedule was just released.
This deal could lead Coffey into Milwaukee’s second ring in five seasons, or he could end up right where he was before he signed, and that was as a free agent.
Amir Coffey is under high stakes with the Milwaukee Bucks, as his position with the team is on the line through the contract he just signed
Amir Coffey quietly joined the Milwaukee Bucks, as they were likely one of the few teams to give him a chance next season. Wisely, Coffey accepted, as players are fortunate to have the opportunity to win with an organization that boasts championship experience and employs Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Moreover, Coffey’s Exhibit-9 deal means that he only has a few weeks to prove himself. By the end of training camp, Milwaukee’s front office will send him on his way as a free agent or name him to the active roster.
Thus, Coffey will have to knock down the three-point shot as efficiently as he did last season, but with more effort on defense, as that was the main flaw Lawrence Frank saw that led to not bringing him back.
Nonetheless, if Coffey does not make the Bucks’ roster, he must still work hard, as the league’s roster space is limited. By the trade deadline, a team will call his line to finish the regular season on a veteran minimum, and it will be on him to show that he has not fallen behind.