If there's an unavoidable conflict it's better to address it as early as possible.
I'm naturally conflict avoidant, which means I emphasize alignment.
But sometimes there's a fundamental conflict that is stronger than any trust you build on top.
Once you realize it has the potential to be a fundamental conflict, dive into it head on.
You can save everyone a lot of time if it turns out you aren't aligned at that layer.
Sometimes the answer is "given this difference of opinion, it doesn't make sense for us to collaborate."
Figuring that out early can save everyone a ton of time!