But isn't there a limit to retention? Like 50% or something?
Technically someone could sign a player at league max, you trade them and give prospects and then when they are bought out you sign them for league minimum.
Yes there is a limit of 50% on retention. But when they are bought out, they can sign with anyone. If the player is worth what you and the other team are spending, teams are going to be outbidding you. Never mind at league minimum, they will bid full market value for a player of that level.
But take a player who should be worth, say 6 mil. You get the other team to sign him for 8. They retain 50% and trade him to you. You get him for 4 mil instead of 6, plus the assets traded to the team that signed him. That retention will be for the life of the contract so the other team may want pretty hefty compensation if the term is very long.
I think you would want the player to be in on it or you might have a very pissed off player on your roster.
Might be the way for Jets to finally land a 2C and/or a 1RD.