Source: Pistons trade for Motiejunas, Thornton
PHOENIX — The Houston Rockets traded power forward Donatas Motiejunas and small forward Marcus Thornton to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a protected 2016 first-round pick and Joel Anthony on Thursday, according to a source.
The pick is top-eight-protected in 2016 and top-10 in 2017 and 2018, according to ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh.
The Rockets were willing to let Motiejunas go despite being high on his ability to pass well and hit midrange jumpers.
He averaged a career-high 12.0 points last season, but suffered a back injury late in the season. Motiejunas encountered numerous setbacks during his recovery from back surgery and has been limited to 14 games this season, averaging 5.6 points.
“A little surprised,” Motiejunas told ESPN after the trade. “But it’s part of the business. So when the deadline comes, you’re kind of afraid of that. It’s just natural feelings.”
Thornton, 28, was acquired in the offseason as jump shooter who provides instant offense. After not playing in first two games of the season, Thornton was inserted and helped the Rockets on the offensive end, averaging 10.0 points this season. However, his minutes fluctuated when the Rockets wanted more defensive players on the floor.
Anthony, a 33-year-old backup center, has seen limited actions for the Pistons this season, averaging 1.2 rebounds and 0.7 points per game.
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