The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly confirmed that they have no plans to re-sign Dillon Brooks in unrestricted free agency. Brooks, who is currently the longest-tenured player on the roster, had a disappointing series whilst his team lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. His poor form, along with several other distractions, such as calling LeBron James “old”, have led the team’s management to solidify their plans to move on from him.
Brooks had registered an average of 14.3 points per game this season, with a shooting rate of 39.6%. His poor shot selection has been a cause for frustration for the Grizzlies’s organization for a while, while his comments made during the playoffs, declaring himself a “villain,” have only added to the team’s concerns. Against Cleveland, Brooks was suspended due to a groin-area strike on the opposition team’s Donovan Mitchell that resulted in a scuffle between the two players.
Asked specifically about Brooks, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman remained non-committal towards the player’s future, stating: “I’ll hit on DB another day. Nothing I can comment on for now with him going into free agency.” Known for his elite wing defending, Brooks led the NBA with 18 technical fouls this season, which resulted in two separate one-game suspensions. Kleiman also emphasized that there would be a different approach towards trash-talk next season.
