Dillon Brooks has been a key player for the Memphis Grizzlies since he was drafted in 2017. He is known for his tough defense, his fiery personality and his scoring ability. However, his time with the Grizzlies is coming to an end, as the team has reportedly informed him that he will not be re-signed under any circumstances.
Why Did the Grizzlies Choose Not to Re-Sign Dillon Brooks?
Naturally people are wondering why the Grizzlies have allegedly decided to part ways with Dillon Brooks, a player that gave his heart and soul to the team. According to some reports some factors may be his poor shooting performance in the playoffs, where he shot 31.2 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three-point range. His physical altercations and trash talk with LeBron James and other opponents, which earned him a reputation as a dirty player and a distraction.
His lack of media availability and professionalism, which resulted in fines and criticism from the team and the league. Also his alleged frustration with the team’s direction and culture, which clashed with his desire to win and be a leader. Brooks will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he will have several options to choose from.
Some of the potential landing spots for him are:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs need a wing defender and a veteran presence to mentor their young core of Garland, Mitchell, Mobley and Allen.
- Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers could use some toughness and scoring off the bench, and Brooks might be willing to bury the hatchet with LeBron for a chance to compete for a title.
- Miami Heat: The Heat are always looking for players who fit their culture of hard work and accountability, and Brooks could thrive under coach Spoelstra and alongside Butler and Adebayo.
- San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have a history of developing players who have been overlooked or undervalued, and Brooks could benefit from coach Popovich’s guidance and system.
Was Grizzlies Banning Dillon Brooks’ the Reason Allegedly Told Ja Morant He’s Not Coming Back?
What’s interesting about this new report is a video that surfaced from Game 6 that showed a strange interaction between Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks on Grizzlies bench. After it appeared Morant told him “we will back next year, no injuries”, it appeared Brooks told him “I’m not coming back”. Some people now believe that he may have already known in someway that Grizzlies management wasn’t planning to offer him a contract extension.
Dillon Brooks is a talented and competitive player who can help any team that needs some grit and scoring. However, he also has some flaws, and issues that might limit his market value. However, there’s no doubt that he can be a big piece to a championship formula in the right environment. He’s like a bigger Patrick Beverley. Would be cool to see him on the Lakers alongside Lebron next year.
