While the Bobcats still will be over the cap at the start of free agency, this new projection by the NBA should open a little breathing room for Charlotte to sign either Felton or Thomas without exceeding the luxury tax threshold. The article does not include a projection for the luxury tax. But if it rises at about the same rate as the salary cap, then it would project to around $67-68 milliion. By my rough calculation, that should give Charlotte around $8 million to sign Felton or Thomas plus a couple minimum salary guys to round out the bench. Very good news to chew on as the playoffs begin!