Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks made waves for the second consecutive NBA Playoffs after calling out Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James as old and finding himself ejected for a swipe at James during the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
In terms of his actual performance in Memphis’ upset first-round loss to the Lakers, Brooks was an absolute disaster class. The former second-round pick from Oregon shot just 31% from the field, including a 24% mark from three-point range. It was his second consecutive terrible performance in the NBA Playoffs.
We now have more information on Brooks’ future with the Grizzlies as the veteran forward prepares for NBA free agency this summer. Memphis informed the embattled player that he will not be brought back under any circumstances.
“After his tumultuous end to the season, Brooks was told about the Grizzlies‘ decision to move on in exit meetings with team officials in recent days, those sources said. Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start.”
Shams Charania report on Dillon Brooks’ future with the Memphis Grizzlies
This comes on the heels of reports indicating that Memphis was going to move on from Brooks and look for an upgrade at the small forward spot during the summer. Yet another premature playoff exit with the veteran making headlines for all the wrong reasons added another layer to this.
Dillon Brooks’ NBA free agent market and the Memphis Grizzlies
At this point, one has to wonder how much of a market Brooks will receive in free agency. Sure, he’s seen as a top-end perimeter defender.
Outside of that, there’s not a lot to like about what he brings to the table when you take into account both his reputation and on-court antics. When we factor in Brooks’ reputation around the league, there’s a darn good chance he’ll be met with a soft market.
“You want to talk about his reputation? Ask other players in the league about him. … Dillon’s reputation also is that he is a, to be polite, a borderline dirty player and borderline’s being very polite. You heard Donovan Mitchell when he got cup-checked. He basically just unloaded. You heard what Draymond’s had to say. That’s not media-created.”
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on Dillon Brooks’ reputation among NBA players
As for the Grizzlies, they were linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Mike Bridges and OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors ahead of the in-season NBA trade deadline. After yet another premature exit in the NBA Playoffs, the expectation is that front office head Zach Kleiman will find an upgrade behind Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. on Memphis’ roster.
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