Why Boston Celtics Blockbuster Trade Doesn't Help San Antonio Spurs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On Tuesday, a day before the NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics agreed to a trade. The Brooklyn Nets got looped in as a third team.

Access to smaller taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.7 million): The Celtics’ usage of this MLE would trigger a hard cap at the second apron ($207 million). Given where Boston is with their repeater tax penalties, it would be surprising to see Boston use the MLE this offseason since getting under the tax line entirely could be a priority.