The NBA 2K League, in consultation with the NBA 2K League Competition Committee that is comprised of representatives from eight teams, has announced the following offseason updates ahead of the 2020 season.

Player Protections

Each of the 21 teams that competed in 2019 must protect two players who were on its roster at the end of the 2019 season from the expansion draft.  Each team has the option to protect one additional player.  Teams that protect two players will have the opportunity to retain two additional players after the expansion draft.  Teams that protect three players will automatically forfeit a third-round pick in the 2020 NBA 2K League Draft and will have the opportunity to retain one additional player after the expansion draft.

All protected players are ineligible to be drafted in the expansion draft.  Teams must submit their protected players to the league between Monday, Aug. 19 and Monday, Sept. 2.  Players who are not protected will make up the player pool for the expansion draft.

Additional Player Retainment

During the month following the expansion draft (exact dates TBA), each of the 21 teams that competed in 2019 will have the opportunity to retain additional players.  Teams will retain players by forfeiting draft picks in the 2020 Draft.  Subject to NBA 2K League rules, all players who are not retained will be automatically eligible for the 2020 Draft.

If one of the 21 teams that competed in 2019 protects three players and has a player selected in the expansion draft, that team can retain one additional player by forfeiting a second-round draft pick.

If one of the 21 teams that competed in 2019 protects three players and does not have a player selected in the expansion draft, that team can retain one additional player by forfeiting a first-round draft pick.

If one of the 21 teams that competed in 2019 protects two players and has a player selected in the expansion draft, that team can retain a first additional player by forfeiting a fourth-round draft pick and can retain a second additional player by forfeiting a third-round draft pick.

If one of the 21 teams that competed in 2019 protects two players and does not have a player selected in the expansion draft, that team can retain a first additional player by forfeiting a fourth-round draft pick and can retain a second additional player by forfeiting a second-round draft pick.

Trades

There will be two trade windows during the 2020 season.  Each team will be allowed to trade a total of five trade assets during the 2020 season.  Trade assets include players, 2020 draft picks and 2021 draft picks.

• Trade period 1: Month following the expansion draft (exact dates TBA)
• Trade period 2: One month prior to the 2020 Draft through week 12 of the 2020 season (exact dates TBA)

All trades must have a 1:1 trade asset ratio.  Teams cannot trade two picks for one player or vice versa.  Multi-team trades are allowed.

Stay tuned to the NBA 2K League’s Twitter account (@NBA2KLeague) for further news and announcements regarding the 2020 season.