Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
There were not a lot of game-changers at the trade deadline, and the Detroit Pistons figured to make the most significant moves, but they still did not push through with one of their transactions.
The trade that would send Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton (both Houston Rockets) to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for the Pistons top 8 protected first overall pick. SB Nation also mentioned that "the 76ers were also part of the proposed trade and were slated to get a second-round pick and Joel Anthony."
Now that the deal was voided by the Pistons, the Sixers also had suffered some consequences.
"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."
With the deal falling apart, teams involved needed to change their course of action. But Motiejunas, apparently, was not so pleased with him being pointed as the reason for calling off the transaction.
In an interview with Basketnews.it, translated by reddit user 'plimbum' (h/t NBC), he accused the Pistons of using the so-called injury to back off from the trade.
"The medical examination is a funny thing," Motiejunas' statements translated. "The team doctor simply says whether you pass or don't, although they may not even do any checks. Those 48 hours actually just let the team decide whether they want you or not. The Pistons announced I did not pass the medical, although I surely did pass it and played even before it. I just got 'screwed'. The injury was a pretense to call off the trade. They changed their minds."
He does have a point. How could he be "injured" when he is actually playing? While the reason for the medical is about "long-term" health, that does not sound very objective.
The analysis of NBC is that the Pistons may have shuddered at the thought of losing their draft pick. They point out that the Wizards and Hornets made clear upgrades and the Pistons could end up at the tail end of the lottery while their pick is only top 8 protected. If they ended up 9th overall, the Rockets would have clearly won the trade since they were probably not sold on keeping Motiejunas anyway.
The plot may thicken as Motiejunas is reportedly mulling legal action as he claims that the backlash from the failed transaction may have diminished his value as a player/free agent.
