The fact that such a question is even on the table shows how disappointing our highest draft pick since Yao has been.
(1) Green is a better player than Whitmore at this point. (2) Whitmore has a higher trade value. These two statements can both be true. It should not be surprising that Jalen is better than Cam because of two extra seasons of experience and much more games and minutes per season. But Cam still has the "potential" tag on him. Green's potential tag is fading fast after four full seasons and a playoffs series. Not to mention Cam is on a rookie contract while Jalen is going to be paid like a max guy.
Put Jalen on Utah or put him on the Udoka led Rockets or Thunder and he wins a ton...... depending on where he is. At this point he is still an enhancer, a rare explosion of scoring, rather than consistent contribution. Cam, I would definitely put on a tanking team first and then build him up after he built his confidence.
..... I'll give you my take on your points in reverse order. 3.) I agree with you 100% on the financial aspect! Rookie contracts are every GM's wet dream. 2.) I personally don't think that Whitmore has a higher trade value, I do think he has a more appealing trade value! I wouldn't expect to get more for Whitmore than I would for Green, finances being a key factor. 1.) Regarding who is the better player? I personally can't make a definitive call. They both came into the league very young with very high expectations! The major difference being that one came in while the tank was in full throttle under a coach who gave him platinum card status while the other came in during the phase 2 (show improvement era) with a coach who IMHO relies too heavily on the JVG style of play and doesn't really show any interest in allowing his rookies any meaningful playing time!! (regardless of the situation). (FYI) A lot is said about Whitmore's attitude, it being a cancer because he wears his emotions on his shoulders and complains about not getting playing time. At his age, with his college pedigree, that is exactly what I want!!! At the moment he is far from being an elite player but the mentality to go get it and show the world that you are the alpha dog and are far better than is being advertised is clearly there!! (Off-topic)I wish Bari had that mentality! Conclusion: INCONCLUSIVE! IMHO, Whitmore has not been giving the same platinum card status and therefore hasn't really been giving a fair shot to prove his worth! The only red flag for me at the moment is that @DaDakota is enamored with him... ....... ....... .......