Donatas Motiejunas runs up the court during a December 2015 game. (AP)
The physicians and specialists examining Montiejunas’ back refused to clear him, pushing Pistons executives to kill the deal agreed upon at Thursday’s trade deadline, league sources told The Vertical.
Motiejunas and guard Marcus Thornton will return to the Houston Rockets. Center Joel Anthony – who went to Philadelphia in the deal – will return to the Pistons. Detroit will also keep the top-eight protected 2016 first-round draft pick it sent to Houston.
Philadelphia waived forward JaKarr Sampson to make room for Anthony, and The Vertical reported that Sampson agreed to a contract with the Denver Nuggets. That transaction remains unchanged.
Motiejunas has been plagued with back issues and played only 18 games between the Rockets and their NBA Development League affiliate in Rio Grande.
The Pistons had wanted Motiejunas to bolster their frontcourt, along with forward Tobias Harris, who was acquired from Orlando.
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