Trade & FA 2024-25:

[Smitty]

I think Exum is bad ass, and checks a ton of important boxes:

Competent PG in terms of bringing the ball up. 
Willing to give the ball up to get the possession's action started (few Mavs are).
GREAT size and defense for a guard, and can in fact guard 1-3 quite effectively (this is GOLD). 
Similar in size to Luka, which in theory means that even if he can't do what Luka can do, he at least fits next to some of the same players as Luka's backup. 
High energy guy.
Surprisingly good on catch and shoot attempts that are WIDE OPEN

...and all that on a vet minimum, with real hope of a team-friendly next deal. 

BUT:

He's scared to shoot. I don't understand why, really, because he's pretty good at it. He'll never be a quick-release sniper, but he CAN shoot. He just won't. And, to play PG here, you must, must be an offensive threat when you have the ball, like Luka and Kyrie are. That's non-negotiable. There were a couple of moments in that one good finals game where he pulled up for shots when his defender went under (pretty sure he made them, too), but to actually play that role off the bench in a usable way, his defender has to KNOW he's going to shoot that. 

It's not even about making them, it's about the defense knowing he's going to take them. Make them have to make decisions. Otherwise, the entire offense dies. 

As long as he's scared to try on offense, I don't think there's room for him in the NBA (as an on-ball player, at least). I wouldn't want him in a playoff rotation while this is a problem for him, and unfortunately, that probably means I wouldn't want him back at anything above the minimum, which is why I bet they're wondering if he should be here again this year.

Wow. It’s so crazy to me that we can see the same player here and then complete opposites elsewhere. You hit the nail on the head with this one. There’s really nothing I’d add. Our view of Exum; strengths, weakness and style are spot on! Here’s to hoping I’m wrong on Hardy!