Hawks principle owner Tony Ressler said he expects to spend over the NBA salary cap on player salaries.

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week, Ressler addressed a wide-ranging number of topics in discussing his commitment to the franchise and fan base.

Ressler said one way ownership will show its commitment is by “having a payroll that is between the cap and the (luxury) tax but never below the cap, having real payroll, having a commitment to keeping a quality team.”

The salary cap will be $67.1 million with a luxury tax line of $81.6 million next season. The cap is expected to rise dramatically the following year with the new television contract.

The Hawks have $40.5 million in committed salary to 11 players next season. Starters Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll and Elton Brand and John Jenkins become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Pero Antic is a restricted free agent.

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