NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Rockets Send Donatas Motiejunas, Marcus Thornton to Pistons
Every single time the Houston Rockets were mentioned in a trade rumor, it was always about Dwight Howard. For the past several weeks, the team desperately tried so hard to trade the All-Star center, only to find out that no one's really that interested. So before the trade deadline passed, they had to do something, even if it didn't involve sending Howard to another team. As an alternative, the front office instead sent seldom used power forward Donatas Motiejunas and small forward Marcus Thornton to the Detroit Pistons for a protected 2016 first-round pick. The Philadelphia 76ers meanwhile got center Joel Anthony and a second round pick.
The deal to get Motiejunas is a big gamble for the Pistons, who gave up a top 8 prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft, but it's no secret that the center/power forward is full of potential; he hasn't showed it yet, though. He is known for his exceptional passing ability as a big man and the fact that he can shoot better midrange jumpers than the other big men in Houston.
The decision may have something to do with the Rockets hoping to become a much better defensive team, especially if they want to contend for the Western Conference title against the likes of the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, and the San Antonio Spurs.
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Motiejunas produced a career-high 12.0 points per game last season, although it was short-lived after suffering a back injury. He seemed to have not fully recovered from the surgery to repair his back because he only played in 14 games this season so far.
The 28-year-old Thornton, on the other hand, is a good addition for the Pistons in terms of scoring, especially after the departure of backup guard Brandon Jennings. Although he averages 10.0 points per game this season, his defense leaves little to be desired.
With a significantly retooled roster, the Pistons are now a legitimate contender in the East. The addition of Tobias Harris, Motiejunas, and Thornton gives them highly capable scorers to complement Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond.
