Pistons rescind 3-player, 3-team deal with Rockets and 76ers

However, the Pistons’ medical staff expressed concern about Motiejunas’ sore back.

Joel Anthony will not be available Monday against Cleveland, Keith Langlois of Detroit Pistons.com reports. The Pistons will get Joel Anthony and their first round draft pick back.

One of the “bigger” National Basketball Association trades from the snooze-fest of a trade deadline was a three-way deal among Detroit, Houston, and Philadelphia.

Last Thursday the Houston Rockets traded Center/Power Forward Donatas Motiejunas to the Detroit Pistons in a three-team deal that saw the Rockets receive a top-9 protected 1st round pick from the Pistons. Detroit received Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton from Houston.

“If (the Rockets) don’t give us more time, we’d have to make a decision”.

Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said the team had asked for a 24-hour extension because trades have to be completed within 72 hours.

Montiejunas has been limited to 14 games after undergoing back surgery last March and averaged 5.6 points while shooting 41.2 percent from 3-point range.

Motiejunas has a lumbar microdiscectomy – the removal of a herniated disc in the lower back in April – and certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts said on Twitter: “Not surprised the D-Mo trade was voided”.

The Rockets were considered one of the winners before the deadline after acquiring the first-round pick in the deal, but they could find themselves in a disappointing situation if the deal will be voided.

Motiejunas produced a career-high 12.0 points per game last season, although it was short-lived after suffering a back injury. Now they are stuck with Motiejunas, who likely won’t play much and Thornton, who thought he was traded, instead of a future asset.