They will go into the tax if they are contenders. They want to win. I'm sure they will give up some profits to get to the top again. I don't think anyone is doubting that.
The real question is whether this team is ready to contend. I think they are close. Maybe not this year, we will see. But if we add a top-5 pick (or TWO!) next year, add in the growth of Brown and Tatum and hopefully Zizic, Semi, Yabu, Theis, Nader, etc., we could take the next step and feel good about giving IT the max.
I think the Celtics are coming for LeBron, this team looks built to battle Cleveland.