The Detroit Pistons trade a first round pick and Joel Anthony for Donatas Matiejunas and Marcus Thornton. In all likelihood, that pick will be this year’s first rounder as it is top-8 protected.
Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the trade–not because I don’t like Motiejunas, I do–but because losing a first round pick for a guy with an uncertain back injury is really risky, no matter how talented he is.
Motiejunas was being examined by a back specialist today in New York. Van Gundy said he spoke to the player Thursday night and Motiejunas, “feels like he’s ready to go.