As we begin preparations for season 5 I wanted to first welcome a few new and one returning GM to our Build a Franchise league. Over the past year we have lost quite a few of our original and most active GM's. This continues to challenge the league moving forward as many of the newer GM's are not as invested in the league and therefore do not keep the activity level up. An inactive league will kill this game so hopefully moving forward we can get back to what it has been in the past. A league full of active and engaged people talking basketball. If that happens than season six will be a sure thing.
Now, to introduce our new GM's who will hopefully step up and provide a welcome infusion of enthusiasm to the game. First is our returning GM, br7knicks who was the Suns GM in season one and is now returning to the game after a three year absence. He will be taking over GM duties in Milwaukee. Next up we have two GM's from our board, Angryfatboy taking over the Miami Heat and Richard4444 who is taking over the Brooklyn Nets. Finally we have Buzzard, from the trades and transactions board joining us taking over the potential powerhouse in Indiana. All four GM's have expressed a desire to play the game and have told me that they will be active. All have an extensive posting history on RealGM and all should help the league return to what it was.
I have not replaced smash yet as I am still holding out hope he will return. I have also still not heard from Swiss in Chicago but I also believe and hope that he is ok and will be back. Potentially though, there still maybe two additional openings before next season so we are always looking for GM's to put on the waiting list if anyone wants to continue recruiting.
Next up, for actual offseason business regarding roster management. First up is our Exempt List and contract option deadlines. Below in the spoilers you will find all players that need to have a decision made on them regarding either the EL or their third/fourth year options. The deadline for the EL decision is 6/25 and the deadline for third/fourth year options is 7/2. Our draft will be held 7/24-7/28. All decisions foe EL and/or player options must be PM'd to me before the deadline. Below you will also find the first of our four criteria for our FA rankings, our winning franchise rankings. The opening day of free agency will be determined at a later date. We generally do it a few days after our draft but I will be on vacation the first week of August so free agency will occur sometime in mid-August when I return. If you have any questions regarding anything relating to the offseason, please let me know.
EDIT- If a team does not respond by the deadline, then the EL player's contract will be frozen and/or the third/fourth year option will be declined.
Free Agent Rankings
FINAL FREE AGENCY DESTINATION DESIRABILITY TIERS