What is the impact of guaranteed roster, workout, or reporting bonuses on the Salary Cap?

Guaranteed roster, workout, or reporting bonuses do indeed count against the Salary Cap, and specifically, they are treated as "Other Adjustments to Salary Based on Performance" (OATSB) if guaranteed. This means that these bonuses are added to the player's salary cap number when they are confirmed as guaranteed, impacting the total cap figure that a team must account for in their financial planning.

When a bonus is guaranteed, it becomes part of the player's salary, which the team will need to set aside under the Salary Cap for that fiscal year. If the bonuses are structured in a way that allows for proration, they can be spread out over the length of the player's contract, which helps teams manage their cap numbers more effectively. This prorating can ease the immediate impact of the bonuses on the Salary Cap, allowing teams to balance their rosters while still incentivizing player performance.

This understanding highlights the strategic use of bonuses by teams, ensuring they remain competitive while keeping the salary cap properly balanced.