Donatas Motiejunas Contract: Latest News, Rumors on Negotiations with Rockets
The Houston Rockets and power forward Donatas Motiejunas are reportedly not expected to reach an agreement on a new contract before the Nov. 2 deadline for rookie-deal extensions.
Continue for updates.
Little Progress Made Between Sides in Contract Talks
Thursday, Oct. 29
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported the Rockets weren't able to make any strides toward a deal with Motiejunas or fellow forward Terrence Jones leading up to the deadline. In turn, they are expected to bypass extensions and focus on long-term agreements as restricted free agents next year.
Motiejunas is starting his fourth year with the Rockets after they acquired him in a draft-day deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected him with the 20th overall pick in 2011.
He's made steady progress and is coming off his best season, averaging 12 points and 5.9 rebounds in 71 games (62 starts) during the 2014-15 campaign. He also showcased improved shooting ability, as he connected on 37 percent of his threes, filling the stretch 4 role alongside Dwight Howard.
This season is getting off to a delayed start for Motiejunas, though.
He underwent back surgery in April, and head coach Kevin McHale stated Saturday that he still hadn't seen him run, which makes it difficult to pinpoint a potential return date, per Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle.
Not reaching an extension before the deadline does add further incentive for Motiejunas to get back on the court. He'll want an opportunity to prove himself so he can land a lucrative deal as a restricted free agent next year, either from the Rockets or through an offer sheet.
