The Memphis Grizzlies know defensive ace Dillon Brooks has value, however, warts on other parts of his game and personality motivated their failed attempts to replace him before the NBA trade deadline in February with a pair of stars.
Over the last few seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies have evolved into a legitimate powerhouse in the Western Conference and a team with championship potential. Their coaching staff led by Taylor Jenkins deserves a lot of credit for helping develop players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane into stars.
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However, for as good as their core of talent is, the Memphis Grizzlies are well aware they need more impact pieces if they hope to reach the NBA Finals this season and in future years. One area the organization has had an eye on improving is small forward. A position currently manned by larger-than-life personality Dillon Brooks.
The 27-year-old is a valuable part of the roster since he has served as the primary defender for elite wing players on opposing teams. But issues with his shot selection and brash personality have seemingly turned off decision-makers in the organization and they tried to replace him at the trade deadline.
Memphis Grizzlies made strong pushes for Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby at trade deadline
Earlier this year, there were rumblings that the Memphis Grizzlies were looking to make a splash on the trade block. During a new edition of the “Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN NBA insider Tim McMahon spoke in-depth on the team’s pursuit to “upgrade” the position at the February trade deadline.
“They tried to upgrade at the trade deadline. They threw four picks at the Nets trying to get Mikal Bridges. They really weren’t able to get the Raptors in serious conversations, but they would have given up a few picks to get OG Anunoby. They’ve tried to move on from Dillon Brooks already.
“I don’t know if Dillon Brooks is on this team after this series. We’ll see if the Grizzlies can come back and win it. I certainly don’t know if he’s on this team after free agency this summer, but the problem is if he’s not, who’s guarding all the best players? Who’s guarding all the stars on the other teams?”
– Tim McMahon
Mikal Bridges is likely out of the equation this summer after he grew into a legitimate star for the Brooklyn after they acquired him in a trade for Kevin Durant. And the asking price for OG Anunoby will likely remain very high this summer with some seeing him as the best player on the Toronto roster.
McMahon does make a fair point, however. For all his flaws on and off the court, he still offers something that would be hard for the Memphis Grizzlies to replace.