I prefer playing small with Tatum at PF alongside an extra guard over this. I prefer having that extra ball-handler out there who can create something for himself and others.
That is fine but it is not great if it is the only way you can play. It is a huge advantage if you have at least one big who has enough skill to play alongside another big without leaving the team with too little shot making or play making.
Right now, we have no big with any skill. It is so bad that Horford is actually an improvement for us. It sounds like we agree that Markkanen has at least the potential to be that skilled big. If we get him, I am sure that the coaches will figure out how to play him, what line ups work best. Maybe 10 min with Parker, 10 min with Williams, and 10 min as the one big. Give him a chance to find his ideal slot. Close the game with which ever line up proves the best.
Anyway, if we end up trading Thompson for Dunn and Fernando, I think this is all pretty much off the table anyway. We will have to do it with Horford our "skill big" and Parker as our swing big.
Unless we send Smart out, with his new extension, for a big and sign Schroder, which seems very unlikely.