“I think a lot of guys in the G League probably deserve this light that I just got. I’m very appreciative and I hope I represented well for them, and I really appreciate the NBA giving us this opportunity,” Mac McClung said after winning his second Slam Dunk Contest. Who knew this boy from a small town in Virginia would one day become a household name in the hoops world?

From turning his passion for basketball into a career to grabbing attention in the G League, Matthew “Mac” McClung has come a long way. Remember when he broke records in high school, scoring 64 points in a single game? His acrobatic dunks and competitiveness set him apart even then.

Once Shaq said about McClung, “This is where you steal the show. Nobody knows your name. Make them remember your name. And don’t miss a dunk!”

Despite not being selected in the 2021 NBA draft, this hooper proved himself in the G League, earning the ROTY title and impressing with the South Bay Lakers and the Delaware Blue Coats in the following season. By 2024, he had achieved victory in two slam dunk contests and received the G League MVP award! Now, with the Orlando Magic, he is on a mission to prove himself in the NBA.

His recent update includes a conversion in his contract that signifies a pivotal moment in his career. How will this opportunity shape his future? What new heights can he reach with the Magic? Let’s dive into his contract and what it means for his development.

Mac McClung’s contract with the Orlando Magic

McClung had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Magic. The contract was a 1-year, non-guaranteed training camp deal, $2,019,706 for the 2023-2024 season.

Now what’s Exhibit 10? It was introduced in the 2017 CBA, it can be used only in one-year, non-guaranteed contracts for the minimum NBA salary, with no bonuses except for an “Exhibit 10 bonus” which was initially of $5,000 to $50,000. But later it was converted to $75,000. However, the bonus is paid if the player’s NBA team waives him; he signs with the G League affiliate and remains there for at least 60 days. The team has the option to later convert this contract into a two-way deal.

ESPN’s Shams Charania tweeted, “The Orlando Magic are converting G Mac McClung to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. The back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest champion lands on NBA roster after starring in G League since 2022-23.”

Two-way contracts allow teams to carry three extra players in addition to the 15 on their regular season roster. But it has limitations too. The players will go between the NBA and G League, but they’re limited to 50 NBA games.

This contract guarantees amount is typically around $77,745 per season. However, Mac McClung isn’t joining alone. Magic also signed Trevelin Queen on September 12, 2023, but later converted into a two-way contract on October 21.

But do you know this isn’t the first time Mac McClung is on a two-way contract? Yes, back in 2022 for the first time, he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and then, in 2023, with the Philadelphia 76ers. To date, he’s played only 4 games in the NBA, averaging 8.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across two seasons and three teams.

How successful is the two-way contract?

Since its introduction in the 2017-2018 season, two-way contracts have become an essential tool for ‘player development’, two words that we’ve been hearing from JJ Redick’s mouth quite often in recent times with the Lakers. Such a contract is only eligible for players who have less than four years of experience in the NBA. So it provides players with crucial experience in both leagues.

For example, the Lakers had signed Alex Caruso to a two-way deal in 2018. He embraced challenges and worked tirelessly to hone his skills in the G League and his perseverance paid off when he earned a full NBA contract, becoming a key player in the Lakers’ 2020 Championship run, showcasing his talent.

Next, there’s Duncan Robinson, who achieved success through an unconventional path. Following the 2018 draft, he joined the Miami Heat on a two-way contract. His exceptional shooting skills quickly impressed coaches and scouts. Robinson’s ascent played a key role in driving the Heat to the 2020 NBA Finals, showcasing his substantial influence.

With recent changes allowing teams to carry three two-way players, opportunities for younger hoopers are expanding. For Mac McClung, and many other players, the highest level of basketball is within reach. But can Mac capitalize on this chance again? His journey could add another remarkable success story via two-way contracts!

Who will be the next player to make waves and redefine expectations? Do let us know your predictions in the comments below.