For years now, Real GM has featured a piece of software that allows fans to come up with trades that would fit under the salary cap. Now it turns out that the company that owns the site is taking things to the next level.
Here's Newsday's Jim Baumbach:
As many as 14 general managers this season will be using RealGM.com to come up with trade ideas that fit under the salary cap. But there's a catch. Unlike Layden, these GMs are not using the same program as fans do.RealGM.com, a popular basketball Web site that was founded in 2000 and has only four full-time employees, actually produces a software program specifically for NBA teams that helps them produce trade ideas. It costs teams about $30,000 per year, and chief operating officer Todd Essman (who grew up in Plainview) said currently nine teams have already signed up for next season. They could land another five.
Essman wouldn't name the teams, citing how sensitive some teams can be when it comes to their front-office machinations. But he said when they first came up with the idea in 2003 and went around the league trying to sell it, the Indiana Pacers and senior vice president David Morway were especially helpful.
How fast would a professional piece of software like this turn into the most popular destination over at NHL.com? I'd kill for something just like it.
