Houston Rockets

Rockets and D-Mo: Whose beef is it anyway?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets and Motiejunas seem to be at an impasse

Donatas Motiejunas and his agent, B.J. Armstrong, seem determined to strong arm the Rockets into working around the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) and possibly make new arrangements. Now, Armstrong being a former player, does have a unique insight that other agents do not, but his stance as of late seems to be more incendiary. For example, his defending of Draymond Green’s “unnatural” kicking during games, is really just bizarre. Especially, in D-Mo’s case, where the very agreement he’s opposing is made abundantly clear, regarding restricted free agents. And, the rules and contracts were all agreed upon from the players, collectively speaking.

So what exactly is the beef? To simplify, it looks as though it comes down to the Rockets waiving some of the incentives that the Nets contract was offering, when they decided to match the team’s offer sheet. These incentives basically add up to $6 million. Essentially, this is the business side of basketball and the cost for trying to live out your dream.

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The Rockets do hold the advantage here and it seems as though both sides maybe open to continuing negotiations. But, the Rockets, with all the back and forth and failed trades, have acted according to the rules laid out. To play devil’s advocate, Armstrong may be trying to set a precedent here by fighting for his young player and what can be seen as the minimal power, these players have in the CBA. But, to many, he seems to be going about it all wrong and the results may be disastrous for Donatas.

From a fan’s standpoint, this can’t be over soon enough. Why not just take the physical and show the Rockets and the rest of the NBA you can still ball? Then, when the time comes, sign or a negotiate a new deal, one that will reward your hard work, and prove the naysayers wrong. I’m sure it’s more complicated than that, but doesn’t it always looking easier from the outside looking in.

Long story short-money talks. And once D-Mo’s runs out, i don’t know if just passing a physical will get him back on the court.

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