The short answer is yes, you do end up temporarily "losing" free agent cards in NBA 2K23‘s MyTEAM mode after a limited number of games. But I‘ll explain exactly how it works so you can make the most of them.
As someone who has logged hundreds of hours building teams in the NBA 2K series, I know first-hand how vital free agents can be for stacking your MyTEAM roster. And I also know how frustrating it is to pick up an elite free agent card only to see it vanish after just a handful of games.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll break down how free agents function in NBA 2K23, why they disappear, and how you can utilize them effectively before they‘re gone for good. Let‘s dive in!
What are free agent cards in NBA 2K23 MyTEAM?
For those new to MyTEAM, free agent cards allow you to temporarily add a player to your collection and use them for a limited number of games. Think of it as a short-term rental contract.
According to the 2K developers, free agent cards will disappear from your collection after you have played 5 games with that player. It doesn‘t matter which MyTEAM mode you use them in – after 5 total games that free agent is gone.
Now you may be wondering…why would I want to use cards that vanish so quickly? Trust me, I asked myself the same thing at first. But I soon realized the unique value and flexibility free agents add to your MyTEAM strategy.
The strategic benefits of free agent cards
After experimenting with hundreds of free agents over the years, I‘ve found 5 key ways they can benefit your MyTEAM experience:
1. Try out new players risk-free
Free agents are a great way to test out expensive new cards before purchasing them. Get a feel for how they play first, so you don‘t waste your hard-earned VC or MT.
2. Fill temporary roster gaps
Your team lacking rebounding at the moment? Grab a top rebounding free agent to buy you some time while you save up for a permanent upgrade.
3. Complete challenges faster
Free agents can help knock out some of the trickier lifetime agenda goals like "Score 40 points with a Laker in a single TTO game".
4. Build lineup variety
Rotating different free agents will keep your matchups fresh and unpredictable for opponents.
5. Compete with pay-to-win teams
A well-timed free agent substitution can help you take down an all-galaxy opal lineup without emptying your bank account.
As you can see, leveraging free agents effectively takes skill and strategy. You need to know when to deploy them for maximum impact. Which brings me to my next big tips…
Making the most of your free agent cards
Through extensive MyTEAM experimentation, I‘ve identified 5 keys to maximizing your free agents:
1. Match skills to your roster gaps
Don‘t just chase the shiny new cards. Carefully review which attributes and skills your team is lacking, then find free agents who fill those needs.
2. Consider team fit and synergies
That 99 OVR isn‘t worth it if their playing style clashes with your system. Select free agents that complement your starters.
3. Rotate frequently to sample more players
Burning all 5 games on one card means fewer free agents you‘ll get to experience. Sub them in and out each game to mix it up.
4. Save your faves for crucial games
Be selective when using go-to free agents against Limited sweat-fests or tougher spotlight challenges.
5. Track free agent usage carefully
I suggest maintaining a spreadsheet so you know how many games you have left with each card. Avoid wasting their precious 5 game limits.
Now let‘s dive into some of the common free agent questions I see popping up regularly in the 2K community…
Do free agent cards expire over time or get injured?
This is one area where free agents differ from most normal cards. Free agent cards will not expire after a set number of days, only the 5 game limit applies. And they also cannot be injured or lose energy.
So you don‘t need to do anything special to "maintain" free agents over time. The only way they‘ll disappear is hitting that 5 game maximum.
Will my free agents carry over to NBA 2K24?
Unfortunately, any free agent cards you obtain in 2K23 will not transfer over to next year‘s game. I know, it stinks saying goodbye to those elite free agents you‘ve bonded with.
But remember, your entire MyTEAM collection resets each year, so free agents are just one more thing that won‘t carry over to 2K24.
How do contracts work in 2K23 MyTEAM?
This year, the developers did us all a favor and removed contracts from regular player cards. No more spending VC/MT just to keep using cards you already own!
The only exception is still free agent cards, which have that unchanging 5 game limit before they must be replaced in your collection.
When will I reach free agency in MyCAREER?
If you‘re grinding your own NBA journey in MyCAREER, you‘ll have to wait several seasons before true free agency. Based on your years of service:
- 0-3 years = Restricted free agent
- 3-6 years = More leverage to negotiate
- 6-10 years = Unrestricted free agent
So it takes serious loyalty to either force a trade or choose your next team. Not exactly the instant gratification usMyTEAM fans are used to!
What are the top free agents worth chasing in 2K23?
Now for the fun part – which elite free agents are worth pursuing this year? Based on the community buzz so far, here are the most coveted cards:
PG – Pink Diamond Steph Curry (95 OVR) – Lethal shooting and ballhandling ratings make this limited Steph an absolute cheat code. Enjoy him while you can.
SF – Pink Diamond LeBron James (95 OVR) – The King is still dominant in his 20th season, so grab this LeBron and bully those lanes while you have the chance.
PF – Pink Diamond Giannis (95 OVR) – Glitchy animations and raw athleticism let this Greek Freak card get buckets and wreak havoc.
C – Opal Shaquille O‘Neal (97 OVR) – Prime Shaq has the sheer force to steamroll the paint. Ideal for snagging rebounds and abusing smaller matchups.
As you can see, developers are not shy about handing out juiced free agents early on to hook you in. Now let‘s check out some epic free agents from NBA history…
Biggest free agent signings in NBA history
Free agency has shaped many iconic NBA dynasties and rivalries over the years. Here are the 5 largest contracts handed out:
| Player | Team | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | 5 years, $201 million |
| Kevin Durant | Nets | 4 years, $164 million |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 4 years, $153 million |
| Kevin Durant | Warriors | 2 years, $53 million |
| LeBron James | Heat | 6 years, $110 million |
And as salaries continue to rise, I predict we‘ll see multiple $200 million+ deals very soon. For now, Stephen Curry still reigns supreme with his record-setting $201 million Warriors contract in 2021.
When does NBA free agency begin and end?
If you‘re an NBA superfan like me, you likely have the key free agency dates circled on your calendar each summer:
- June 30 – Free agent negotiations open (no signings yet)
- July 6 – Moratorium ends and signings can be made official
- July 7 to August – Flurry of major signing announcements
- August – Leftover free agents take min deals as rosters fill
- August 31 – Final day for roster changes before season
So free agency spans about two months total, with the most exciting signings occurring in the first few weeks of July right after the moratorium period ends.
I hope these tips help you master managing free agents within NBA 2K23 MyTEAM! Let me know if you have any other questions. Now get out there and build your dream roster before those precious 5 game limits expire!
