How about a sub 4M option?
With both Stauskas and Ben in the backcourt, along with Ray who isn't ready to start, we need a completely different type of PG out there than IT. Defensive minded and a preference to give up the rock.
The best scenario right now is obviously a S&T bringing back the type of PG we need. If we can't do that, I'd seriously consider letting him walk and using any available cap space to get a starting PG who fits our needs. Blowing cap space on more of the same doesn't get us anywhere. And are we going to develop Ray as the backup point or not? If so, no IT as a 6th man. IT doesn't sound like he'd accept that anyway.
I'm going with don't match unless it's lower than the poll allows. Our FO better have a better solution for our starting PG next year than matching on IT or hoping for a S&T. But I'm currently of the opinion I'm not spending more money on offense until we get some defense in here, nor would I even give Malone the opportunity to run out IT/Ben or IT/Stauskas together. If I knew defensive acquisitions were right around the corner, I'd reassess but all I have to go on is one offensive move after another while ignoring the other end.
Payton would have answered some of our needs for about a 2M/Y rookie contract. Why would I pay 6M+ for a PG who doesn't answer our needs?