After the Rockets completed a three-team trade at the deadline sending Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton to Detroit for a first-round pick, with Joel Anthony going to the Sixers, word came out that the deal was in danger if Motiejunas could not pass a physical due to his back issues.
On Monday, the Pistons announced that the trade is, in fact, D.O.A.
OFFICIAL: The #Pistons have rescinded a trade that acquired forward/center Donatas Motiejunas and guard Marcus Thornton from Houston.
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 22, 2016
“Standard with all trades, medical clearance on all players involved is required for completion." - Pistons GM Jeff Bower.
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 22, 2016
Jeff Bower: "Medical clearance was not given on all players and the trade is being rescinded"
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 22, 2016
Motiejunas had told reporters that he was 100 percent healthy and ready to go.
Motiejunas (D-Motown?) after trade on Thur: "I'm fully healthy, 100 percent, and think I will give a boost to Detroit to make the playoffs."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 21, 2016
Motiejunas has been dealing with recovery from a herniated disc in his back. He underwent surgery last April and despite a return mid-way through this year, he's had difficulty staying on the floor.
This deal falling apart, four days after the deadline, is bad in all sorts of ways for both teams. The Pistons had loaded up with this deal, getting two veteran players to help their woeful bench, after sending Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova to Orlando in the Tobias Harris trade. Houston had shipped two players out, who now return to its roster. They're both pros and will understand the business and how it works, but that's still incredibly awkward. Plus, the Rockets fail to secure a first-round pick in exchange, which would have helped since if they make the playoffs (which remains likely) they send their first-rounder to Denver.
It's just tough all around, and a reminder of the complications that can occur if you wait until the deadline to make crucial moves. We'll see how both teams adjust going forward.
