Motiejunas fails physical, Pistons to void 3-team trade

Prior to Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, a three-team deal was struck that sent Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton to the Detroit Pistons, and Joel Anthony to the Houston Rockets, who then shipped him off to the Philadelphia 76ers.

That trade was officially voided by the Pistons in accordance with the NBA, the team announced Monday.

Detroit had also sent a 2016 first-round pick with top-eight protection to Houston, while the Sixers received a 2017 second-round pick.

Motiejunas reportedly didn't pass his physical, thus causing the trade to fall apart, sources told The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 25-year-old Lithuanian center underwent season-ending back surgery in April of last year, costing him the final 11 games of the 2014-15 campaign. He's only suited up for 14 games this season for the Rockets, and has been on the shelf since Jan. 2 as his back continues to give him problems.

Philadelphia waived forward JaKarr Sampson to clear a roster spot for Anthony, who they also planned to waive. The team had hoped to eventually bring Sampson back, but he's since signed a reported two-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, meaning he won't be returning to the 76ers.