Moteijunas’ Health Issues May Void Pistons/Rockets Trade

The deadline trade between the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons might be voided because of back issues that have plagued power forward Donatas Motiejunas. The Rockets sent Motiejunas and guard Marcus Thornton to the Pistons on Thursday for a protected 2016 first-round pick. But Motiejunas, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since Dec. 31 because of his recovery from a sore back, is getting looked at closely by Pistons medical officials.

Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters after Sunday’s loss to the Pelicans that the NBA granted Detroit’s request for an extension to complete the trade. The Pistons had asked the league for an additional 24 hours to the 72-hour trade window to determine if Motiejunas can play for them.

Source: Calvin Watkins of ESPN