I know...it's just a game. But like you, we want our simulation to be as real as possible.
I have several players that are under contract. The game made them retired the following season. Wait, they are under contract. Can they do that? Yes, in real life there are certain conditions. But in the game, there isn't. The game just retire these player when they either still under contract or signed an extension the season before.
I'm mean, if they plan to retire, why did they sign the extension?
In my game, I just won the NBA final, and I need everyone back to defend. Nearly all agree. But once I move into offseason, half of my team was gone - retired.