Donatas Motiejūnas Mysteriously Removed from Monaco Basketball Team Roster

Motiejūnas’ Future Uncertain as Monaco Removes Him From Roster

Published: October 1, 2025

MONACO – Lithuanian basketball star Arvydas Motiejūnas has been removed from Monaco’s official roster as the EuroLeague season approaches, casting doubt on his future wiht the club. While he participated in preseason games and promotional photoshoots, all data pertaining to Motiejūnas has been removed from the team’s official website.

Strategic Shift and Potential Departure

Reports surfaced last month indicating that Motiejūnas, who has been with Monaco since 2021, may not factor into head coach Vassilis Spanoulis’ plans. Sources suggest Spanoulis does not see Motiejūnas fitting into his evolving game schemes.

Interest from Other EuroLeague Clubs

French media outlets report that several other EuroLeague teams expressed interest in acquiring Motiejūnas. The reports also indicated that Nick Calathes might also be leaving the team, though Calathes remains listed on the roster for both EuroLeague and French domestic competition.

Diminished Role Last Season

During the previous season, following Spanoulis’ appointment as head coach, Motiejūnas saw a important reduction in playing time and impact.He was largely absent from key matchups.

Motiejūnas’ Statistics

The 35-year-old, 7’0″ Motiejūnas averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and a 7.5 efficiency rating in 15 minutes per game in the EuroLeague last season.

Statistic	Value
Age	35
height	7’0″ (213 cm)
Points per Game	6.4
rebounds per Game	3.1
Efficiency Rating	7.5
Minutes per Game	15

Did You Know? Arvydas Motiejūnas previously played in the NBA for the houston Rockets, Washington wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on EuroLeague roster movements as the season begins, as teams often make adjustments based on performance and strategic needs.

Looking Ahead

Motiejūnas’ current contract extends thru this season.The situation remains fluid as the EuroLeague season tips off. What will motiejūnas’ next move be? Will another EuroLeague team take a chance on the veteran big man?

What impact will Motiejūnas’s departure have on AS Monaco’s performance in the EuroLeague?

The Sudden Departure of a EuroLeague Veteran

on September 30th, 2025, a surprising development shook the EuroLeague basketball world: Donatas Motiejūnas, the veteran center for AS Monaco Basket, was removed from the team’s official roster. The proclamation, made with minimal explanation, has sparked widespread speculation regarding the reasons behind this abrupt decision. Fans of European basketball, notably those following the EuroLeague and Monaco’s performance, are eager to understand the circumstances surrounding Motiejūnas’s exit. This article delves into the details, examining potential causes and the implications for both the player and the team.

Timeline of Events & Initial Reports

The initial reports surfaced late on September 29th, with whispers on social media about Motiejūnas being absent from team practice. These rumors quickly gained traction as several reputable basketball journalists began investigating.

* September 29th: Reports of Motiejūnas’s absence from practice begin circulating.

* September 30th: AS Monaco officially updates its roster, removing Motiejūnas’s name. A brief statement cited “internal team matters” as the reason, offering no further details.

* October 1st: Speculation intensifies, with theories ranging from personal issues to disagreements with the coaching staff.

The lack of transparency from AS Monaco has fueled the fire, leaving fans and analysts to piece together information from various sources. Key search terms related to this event include “Motiejūnas Monaco,” “EuroLeague roster changes,” and “AS Monaco basketball news.”

Potential Reasons for the roster move

Several theories have emerged regarding Motiejūnas’s removal.While official confirmation remains elusive, here’s a breakdown of the most discussed possibilities:

1. Disciplinary Issues

one prominent theory suggests a potential disciplinary issue. While Motiejūnas has generally maintained a professional demeanor throughout his career, disagreements with coaching staff or teammates are not uncommon in high-pressure environments like the EuroLeague. This could involve a breach of team rules or a conflict that the association deemed serious enough to warrant his removal.

2.Personal Reasons & Family Matters

Another possibility centers around personal reasons. Motiejūnas might potentially be dealing with a family emergency or a personal situation that requires his immediate attention. Teams often respect player privacy in such cases,offering limited public explanation. This is a common reason for unexpected departures in professional sports.

3. Performance Concerns & Coaching Decisions

Although Motiejūnas is a seasoned professional, his performance in recent games may have been a contributing factor. While he remains a capable player, his statistics haven’t consistently met expectations. The coaching staff might have decided to pursue other options to strengthen the team’s frontcourt. This is a strategic decision often made in pursuit of championship contention.

4. Contractual Disputes

A less likely, but still possible, scenario involves a contractual dispute. There could be disagreements regarding his contract terms or future with the team.However, given Motiejūnas’s established status, this seems less probable without prior reports of negotiations or issues.

Motiejūnas’s Career & Impact on Monaco

Donatas Motiejūnas,a Lithuanian national,has had a distinguished career in both the NBA and EuroLeague.

* NBA Experience: Drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2011, Motiejūnas spent several seasons in the NBA with the houston Rockets, where he showcased his versatility as a stretch-five.

* EuroLeague Success: He returned to europe in 2017, joining Panathinaikos Athens and later AS Monaco. He has consistently been a key contributor in the EuroLeague, known for his shooting ability, rebounding, and defensive presence.

* Monaco’s Dependence: Motiejūnas was considered a vital part of Monaco’s roster, providing experience and leadership. His absence leaves a notable void in the team’s frontcourt rotation.

His departure impacts Monaco’s potential in the upcoming EuroLeague season, potentially weakening their chances of competing for the championship. The team will need to quickly find a replacement who can fill his role effectively.

Implications for AS Monaco Basket

The sudden removal of Motiejūnas presents several challenges for AS Monaco:

* Roster Flexibility: The team now has an open roster spot, allowing them to potentially sign a replacement player. However, finding a suitable player mid-season can be difficult.

* Team Chemistry: The unexpected departure could disrupt team chemistry, especially if Motiejūnas was a respected leader in the locker room.

* Fan Reaction: The lack of transparency has angered some fans, who feel the team has not been forthcoming with information.

* EuroLeague Competition: Monaco faces increased pressure to perform well in the EuroLeague without one of its key players.

What’s Next? – Monitoring the Situation

The situation remains fluid. Basketball analysts and fans are closely monitoring developments, awaiting further clarification from AS Monaco or Motiejūnas himself. Key areas to watch include:

* Official statements: Any further statements from AS Monaco regarding the reasons for Motiejūnas’s departure.

* Motiejūnas’s Response: Whether Motiejūnas will publicly address the situation and provide his perspective.

* monaco’s Player Acquisition: The team’s efforts to find a replacement player and strengthen its roster.

* **Impact