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According to a Lithuanian basketball journalist, Donatas Urbonas, forward-center Donatas Motiejunas will not re-sign with the New Orleans Pelicans during the upcoming free agency period.
Motiejunas on possibility to stay in New Orleans Pelicans: 'They don't need me with already 4-5 big man on the roster for the next season.'
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) May 15, 2017
With the Pelicans slated to have Anthony Davis and Cousins gobbling up major minutes and Cheick Diallo, Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik fighting for scraps, there appears to be little opportunity for the Lithuanian — and this is before New Orleans either brings back Dante Cunningham or signs other players that can handle the 4 or 5.
Donatas Motiejunas: 'I want to play for a team where I would be a good fit and which play team basketball. The money will come later'
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) May 15, 2017
Considering his role and minutes were constantly in flux under Alvin Gentry, this news should not come as a surprise. Even prior to the trade for DeMarcus Cousins, Motiejunas was averaging just 15.9 minutes and had per game totals of 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists to show for his efforts.
In his comments, Motiejunas also revealed both the teams that have shown interest in acquiring his services as well as his ideal landing spots.
Motiejunas told he prefers San Antonio, Golden State, Utah or Washington. 'I like their game and I also have some interest from them'
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) May 15, 2017
The Spurs, Warriors, Jazz and Wizards — sounds like Motiejunas is looking to find himself in the midst of a deep postseason run next year!