Donatas Motiejunas: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent PF

Having finally ended his contract stalemate with the Houston Rockets, Donatas Motiejunas has more flexibility as he looks toward the next step in his NBA career.

Continue for updates.

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Pelicans, Motiejunas Reportedly Reach Agreement

Tuesday, Jan. 3

Rod Walker of the Advocate, citing sources, tweeted the New Orleans Pelicans and Motiejunas had a "verbal agreement" and that the deal "should be finalized this morning."

Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported Jan. 1 the Pelicans were "in the process of finalizing" a deal for the veteran minimum with Motiejunas.

Earlier in the day, Shams Charania of The Vertical reported the Pelicans had "positive talks" and added a deal could be coming soon. Charania also noted the talks were "serious."

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Motiejunas Works Out with Lakers

Wednesday, Dec. 28

ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne and Stein reported Wednesday that Motiejunas had a workout with the Lakers before Christmas. While showing some interest in signing him, the Lakers are still evaluating whether Motiejunas fits with their current roster.

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Motiejunas a Solid Role Player Option

Motiejunas' future looked to be set when the Brooklyn Nets handed him a four-year, $37 million offer sheet. Houston exercised its right to match the offer sheet but agreed to pay only $31 million of the deal, since $6 million of the Nets' offer was to be paid out in incentives, per ESPN.com's Calvin Watkins.

The Rockets renounced his contract rights Dec. 15, which made him an unrestricted free agent.

Health is a concern for any team that may want to sign the 26-year-old. The Detroit Pistons had a trade in place to acquire Motiejunas in February before his physical with the team raised red flags about his back.

Shelburne noted the Lakers didn't have any hang-ups about Motiejunas' back and were more concerned with whether he'd hinder the development of Julius Randle and Tarik Black, with whom he'd be competing for playing time.

Motiejunas averaged 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 37 games last year after recovering from back surgery. His offense took a step backward as his shooting percentage dropped from 50.4 percent in 2014-15 to 43.9 percent. He also shot 28.1 percent from beyond the arc a year after knocking down 36.8 percent of his attempts from three-point range.

Motiejunas is a versatile big man who can help on both ends of the floor. Assuming his back isn't an issue, he'd be a solid addition.