The final camp decisions arrive before the season starts
NBA teams must set their opening-day rosters by 5 p.m. Eastern on October 19, ahead of the start of the 2026–27 regular season. In the Philippines, that deadline falls at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20.
The deadline marks the transition from training-camp evaluation to regular-season roster limits. Teams can carry up to 15 players on standard contracts and three on two-way contracts. Those categories should be counted separately when assessing whether a club still needs to make a move.
For players on camp deals, a preseason appearance does not guarantee a place in the opening squad. Teams can retain eligible players, convert certain contracts to two-way agreements or place players on waivers, depending on contract terms and available roster spaces.
Exhibit 10 agreements illustrate why the final announcements can be confusing. An Exhibit 10 is an attachment to an NBA contract, not a promise of a standard roster spot or a synonym for a 10-day deal. A waived player may later follow a G League affiliate route, but that is a separate step with its own conditions.
Opening-day rosters also should not be confused with final season-long squads. Clubs can make further permitted transactions after the initial deadline. Likewise, a roster listing does not guarantee that a player is healthy, active for a particular game or included in the coach’s rotation.
For Philippine readers following the last decisions, Tuesday morning is the relevant local window. Team announcements will establish which reported cuts, signings and conversions are completed; an anticipated move should remain labelled as a report until that confirmation arrives.