So the answer is Exum as a starter later or get a different starter now? I'd choose different starter now. Easy. I think that question, from a pure logic standpoint, shows that if you choose Exum, it's only because of feeling connected or emotionally invested in him, because in no scenario does it make sense to opt to get the same quality starter later than to get it now.I'm on the fence about #2 but I certainly get that.
As far as #1 goes, yes it's a starter level player. But it's not whether or not Exum becomes that. In this would you rather it's for sure that Exum becomes a starter level player or would you rather sign someone else who is also the same level of player as Exum who is a starter level player, but a different player we sign.