somehow interchangeable parts/projects for this W's team is where you lose me and pretty much everyone who's seen the two play.
Having not seen Thomas play, you're unfamiliar with the type of player he is and the fact that he brings a completely different skill/strength-set to the table.
Thomas is faster, more explosive, the better and more versatile defender, a better shot-changer and a guy who's quicker to the ball off the glass. Granted, we're talking about developing players, but they simply play very different styles and Thomas' would be a better fit alongside Davis and in Nelson's system.