NBA Players Officially Removed from 2K25: What It Means for Gamers, Rosters, and Franchise Realism
Every year, as the NBA offseason reshuffles rosters and redefines team dynamics, NBA 2K fans brace themselves for a similar shakeup — not on the hardwood, but inside their consoles. With the release of NBA 2K25, the latest installment in the world’s most popular basketball simulation franchise, a quiet but significant trend has resurfaced: several NBA players have been officially removed from the game. While this isn’t entirely new — past editions have seen similar omissions — the 2024 removals carry unique weight, sparking debates among fans, modders, and franchise mode enthusiasts.
So why does this matter? And who exactly is missing?
The Why Behind the Removals
Before diving into names, it’s crucial to understand why certain players vanish from NBA 2K25. Contrary to popular belief, not every NBA player is guaranteed inclusion — even if they’re under contract with a team. The reasons vary:
- Licensing and endorsement conflicts: Some players opt out of the NBPA group license or have individual deals that restrict their digital likeness.
- Roster cap limitations: 2K caps active rosters at 480 players. With two-way contracts, G-League call-ups, and late-season signings, tough cuts are inevitable.
- Performance or injury status: Players who spent most of the 2023–24 season injured or inactive are often deprioritized.
- Legal or PR issues: Though rare, off-court controversies can lead to temporary or permanent exclusion.
This year, a handful of recognizable names didn’t make the cut — and their absence is already reshaping how gamers approach MyTeam, MyLeague, and even MyCareer modes.
Who’s Missing? Key Omissions in NBA 2K25
While 2K Sports doesn’t publish an official “removed players” list, community sleuths and roster modders have confirmed several notable exclusions. Here are the most impactful:
1. Gary Payton II (Phoenix Suns)
Despite being a key rotation piece for the Suns during their playoff push, The Mitten was left out — likely due to limited regular-season minutes (only 44 games played) and his status as a backup guard. His defensive intensity and playoff heroics won’t be replicated in-game unless manually added via roster edits.
2. Théo Maledon (Charlotte Hornets)
The French guard, once a promising prospect, saw his role diminish dramatically in 2023–24. With Charlotte prioritizing youth development, Maledon’s minimal court time sealed his fate in 2K25. His exclusion highlights 2K’s increasing focus on “impact players” over depth-chart fillers.
3. Dāvis Bertāns (Free Agent, formerly Dallas Mavericks)
Though technically unsigned as of launch, Bertāns was under contract for most of last season. His omission underscores 2K’s policy: if you’re not playing meaningful minutes, you’re not making the cut. Sharpshooters like Bertāns, once MyTeam staples, now face digital extinction without consistent production.
4. Isaiah Roby (New Orleans Pelicans)
Roby’s case is particularly frustrating for Pelicans fans. After a solid stretch in late 2023, injuries derailed his season. His absence in 2K25 forces MyLeague GMs to either import him manually or adjust frontcourt rotations — a disruption to franchise realism.
5. D.J. Augustin (Retired, but still listed in some databases)
Technically retired, Augustin’s lingering presence in previous rosters was more of a placeholder. His formal removal in 2K25 cleans up the database but also erases one of the league’s most beloved veteran guards from digital memory — at least officially.
The Ripple Effect: How These Removals Change Gameplay
The exclusion of even a few role players can have cascading consequences across game modes:
In MyLeague
Franchise enthusiasts rely on accurate rosters to simulate realistic seasons. Missing players like Payton II or Roby force manual edits — a barrier for casual players. Worse, CPU-controlled teams may behave unpredictably if key defensive stoppers or bench scorers are absent. Imagine the Suns without Payton II’s perimeter defense in simulated games — rotations feel “off,” and AI substitutions become erratic.
In MyTeam
Cards for removed players won’t be issued — meaning no new reds, pinks, or limited-edition collectibles. For collectors and auction house flippers, this shrinks the pool of available assets. Players like Maledon or Bertāns, once budget-friendly glue guys, vanish from the meta — altering team-building strategies overnight.
In MyCareer / The City
While less directly impacted, the absence of real NBA depth players subtly affects immersion. Streetball courts and Pro-Am matches lose authenticity when real-life benchwarmers — who often become fan favorites — aren’t available as NPCs or opponents.
Case Study: The Gary Payton II Conundrum
Let’s zoom in on one of the most debated omissions: Gary Payton II.
In NBA 2K24, Payton II was a 77 OVR defensive menace — affordable in MyTeam, invaluable in MyLeague for late-game stops. His steal animations, hustle plays, and corner-three reliability made him a cult favorite. Yet in 2K25, he’s nowhere to