A three-team trade that would have sent Houston’s Donatas Motiejunas to the Pistons for a first-round pick has been voided after complications from Motiejunas’ physical, according to The Vertical’s Shams Charnaria.
Pistons void trade for Donatas Motiejunas after he failed his physical
The Pistons lost out on acquiring a backup big man.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The deal would have sent Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton to Detroit in exchange for a 2016 first-round pick, protected in the top eight. The 76ers were also part of the proposed trade and were slated to get a second-round pick and Joel Anthony. Philadelphia waived JaKarr Sampson to create a roster spot for Anthony and now cannot sign him again because he was picked up by the Nuggets.
Motiejunas has played in just 14 games this season thanks to a series of setbacks following back surgery late last season. The Pistons were obviously aware of his injury issues before trading for him, but their doctors raised enough red flags to hold up the deal. The two teams initially agreed to delay the window to make a decision on Motiejunas’ physical until Monday.
Houston must now take Motiejunas back and loses a future first-round pick. They’re currently over the luxury tax as well, which is why they moved Anthony to Philadelphia in the initial deal. This also cost the 76ers an interesting young player, while the Pistons miss out on acquiring the shooting big man they desperately craved.
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