Veteran big man Donatas Motiejunas plans to sign with the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. He's set to meet the team on its current road trip after talks of a signing were underway dating back to last week, as he resolved some work visa issues.
Motiejunas has been playing in China for the past two seasons after a fallout with the Houston Rockets caused his consequently brief stint with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Following the 2015-16 season, Motiejunas became a restricted free agent, unleashing a prolonged contract dispute with the Rockets which spiraled until the first month of the 2016-17 season.
The Brooklyn Nets signed him to a four-year, $37 million offer sheet, which the Rockets matched three days later, only for Motiejunas not to show for his scheduled physical with the team.
Motiejunas was advised to not report to the facility after his agent noticed a $6 million discrepancy from the offer sheet he signed with the Nets; as the Rockets only matched the principle terms, amounting to $31 million.
The Rockets and Motiejunas negotiated a new four-year, partially-guaranteed deal worth between $35 million and $37 million with bonus clauses.
Houston however, had still to get the answers of his physical, which they did soon enough after agreeing to a deal. Five days later after sending him back home due to a dispute, the Rockets took back the four-year deal and renounced their rights to Motiejunas, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The 7-footer played 34 games with the Pelicans after being signed in Jan. 2017, posting career-lows of 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Ever since, Motiejunas has rebuilt his career in China. The Spurs, who are well known for their love of international talent, will make him the last addition of the season, as they prepare to enter the playoffs with three games remaining on the regular season.
Follow Us
Subscribe