The Houston Rockets and power forward Donatas Motiejunas will not agree on an early contract extension before the Oct. 31 deadline, reports Yahoo Sports’ Sham Charania. Motiejunas will now become a restricted free agent and have the chance to take offer sheets from other teams next summer.
Rockets, Donatas Motiejunas fail to agree to a contract extension
Motiejunas was much improved last season but a back injury could halt his progress.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Motiejunas, who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 20th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and traded almost immediately to the Rockets, has developed as a crucial role player in Houston. The 7-footer had back surgery in the offseason, but was the starting power forward for much of the season.
In his third season, Motiejunas averaged 12 points and 5.9 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game. He shot over 50 percent from the field and hit 36.8 percent of the three-point shots he took (1.9 per game). He’s a solid defender down low even if he’s not a great rebounder, and can move up to center if needed.
The Rockets are being cautious with Motiejunas despite the progress he showed last season, which is understandable considering his injury. He missed the season opener and could be out for a while longer. If he returns to the level he showed before going down when he suits up, however, Houston will have to fend off suitors next offseason.
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