Questions about Celtics being Hard-Capped

[trickybilly]

Can someone explain the hard-capping (due to the Kemba S&T)? Is there a way to get away from that hard cap? Or is it the case that as long as Kemba is in the team we are hardcapped for next year as well?

As far as I can tell, assuming a) Hayward picks up option, b) Theis is guaranteed, and c) Kanter picks up option, and d) Wannamaker, Semi and Javonte are all waived; we dip under the apron, and theoretically we could sign and trade guys again, right?

Also, can we then use the taxpayer MLE next season?

Or even trade Kanter and use the non-taxpayer MLE?

[Roy H.]

The hard cap only applies to this season.

We would be hard-capped next season if we acquire a new player through sign-and-trade, or if we signed somebody to the full MLE (rather than the lesser Taxpayers MLE).