When do minimum salaries begin to pro rate?

Minimum salaries in the NBA begin to pro-rate on the first day of the regular season. This is significant because it marks the official start of the league's competitive landscape, where contracts are fully effective and players are actively participating in games that count for standings.

Before the regular season starts, during training camp or preseason, minimum salaries are not fully in effect. If a player is signed at that time, the salary for the preseason period does not count towards the minimum salary calculation, making it essential for teams to manage roster costs carefully.

Once the regular season kicks off, the minimum salary applies and any contracts will begin to adjust in accordance with the number of games a player is present for throughout the season. Therefore, any appearances or roster changes won't affect how the minimum salary is calculated until that starting point of the regular season arrives.