Austin FC trades defender Nick Lima to New England Revolution for general allocation money
The worst-kept secret of the Austin FC offseason is now official.
El Tree traded outside back Nick Lima to the New England Revolution on Monday for up to $300,000 of general allocation money — which is essentially salary cap space — for the 2024 season.
Austin FC is guaranteed $275,000 of general allocation money with the additional $25,000 depending on whether Lima hits certain benchmarks.
Lima was a consistent starter the last three seasons for Austin FC, making 21 starts in 2021 and 25 each of the last two campaigns.
While not one of the club’s star players, he was a decent MLS defender who provided solid minutes, especially this past year when the back line was riddled with injuries.
Rumors of the trade started almost immediately after Austin FC’s season ended on Oct. 21.
The MLS trade window opened Monday morning and free agency begins Wednesday at noon.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC trades defender Nick Lima to New England Revolution
