Restricted free agent Donatas Motiejunas has gone all summer without a contract offer, and now his agent is turning up the heat on the Rockets, writes Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com. B.J. Armstrong, who serves as Motiejunas’ representative, said the team hasn’t made a serious offer and then issued a warning about his client’s plans.
“Our moment of truth will be October 1,” Armstrong said. “We’ll make a decision on that day.”
The only move regarding Motiejunas this summer has been the $3.4MM qualifying offer the Rockets made to retain the right to match offers from other teams. His status as a restricted free agent and lingering back problems that limited him to 37 games last season have combined to cool interest in the 25-year-old power forward/center. The Rockets traded him to the Pistons in February, but Detroit voided the deal after Motiejunas failed to pass a physical. He was able to play for the Rockets after returning to Houston, averaging 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game after the failed deal.
As a stretch four with 3-point range, Motiejunas figures to be an important weapon in new coach Mike D’Antoni’s offense. Watkins reports that Motiejunas has met with D’Antoni, who promised him a significant role with the team if he re-signs.
Armstrong indicated that Motiejunas may not sign the qualifying offer if the Rockets don’t put together a better deal. However, he recognizes that his client’s options are limited.
“There’s only so much we can do based on the current CBA,” Armstrong said. “I’m not frustrated, this is what it is. We’ll know where the Rockets stand by [Oct. 1]. All deals get done in the 11th hour.”
Dmo really has some smooth post moves especially with that crazy hook shot of his but I don’t see him keeping up with the up tempo ball the Rockets are going to be playing. They probably see the same thing I do.
I like D-Mo. But Terrance Jones was just as good for the Rockets, and just as injury prone. If Jones could only get $1M for one year with the Pelicans, D-Mo can’t expect much more.