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The Detroit Pistons have requested an additional 24 hours to approve their acquisition of Donatas Motiejunas. The Lithuanian's back injury has the Houston Rockets trade deadline deal with the Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers on the ropes with the possibility of being voided.
Back specialists are still reviewing Motiejunas' situation. Small possibility that trade could be voided if things don't check out.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) February 21, 2016
#Pistons doctors at DMC still evaluating results of Donatas Motiejunas' physical. He and Thornton unavailable. Trade incomplete until clear.
— David Mayo (@David_Mayo) February 21, 2016
All teams involved in DET-HOU-PHI trade had to approve request for extension, which they did, according to league source. Pushed to 6pm tom.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) February 21, 2016
Any NBA trade has 72 hours to be approved with the option of a 24 hour extension, pending approval by all parties. Houston has granted Detroit and additional 24 hours.
It's important to note that #Pistons have consulted a back specialist in addition to their regular doctors, which is adding to delay.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) February 21, 2016
Motiejunas has only played 14 NBA games this season and 4 D-League games after missed the end of last season and all of the 2015 playoffs with a nagging back injury.
The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen put the entire situation in perspective with a comparison to Matt Bullard and Robert Horry's fake trade to Detroit. The two future NBA champions didn't stay in Detroit long as Spurs forward Sean Elliott failed a physical due to kidney problems:
With the Pistons asking for more time to check out Motiejunas' back, this conversation on Thursday came to mind. https://t.co/yORHRAstfe
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 21, 2016
Don't know how you feel about trading Motiejunas? Read The Dream Shake's dueling takes: