One part in the process of a trade going through in the NBA that many people overlook is that a player must pass a physical according to league office standards.
If any player involved in a trade does not pass the resulting physical administered once they arrive with their new team, the team has the right to back out of the deal.
That happened Monday as the Pistons decided to back out of the three-team deal that was agreed upon just before the trade deadline last Thursday after newly acquired player Donatas Montejunas did not pass their physical examination. Montejunas had a back issue that the Pistons were unaware of.
The Rockets were to receive a protected first round pick from the Pistons in the trade and the 76ers were to receive a 2nd round pick from the Rockets as well as Joel Anthony whom they had already waived. The Pistons were set to receive two nice pieces and role players in Montejunas and Marcus Thornton.
The story was first reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
One recent memorable trade that fell through because of a failed physical was a trade that would have sent Tyson Chandler to the Oklahoma City Thunder from the then New Orleans Hornets in 2009.
It is understandable for the Pistons to want to back out of this trade after discovering an unforeseen injury with Montejunas. Ironically though, the trade not going through by their own doing hurts them the most as they are in dire need of the floor spacing, depth and outside shooting that Montejunas and Thornton would have more than likely provided if healthy.
You still have to agree with the Pistons front office, you never want to acquire an injured player with a mystery injury, especially when you’re dealing an asset like a first round pick.
The whole situation is probably awkward for all parties involved, although it may be exciting for Joel Anthony to be on an NBA roster again, unless the Pistons decide to waive him themselves.
