Unrestricted free agent Dillon Brooks has been told by the Memphis Grizzlies that he will not be reinstated under any circumstances, according to league sources. the athlete .
After his tumultuous end to the season, Brooks was informed of the Grizzlies’ decision to continue exit meetings with team officials in recent days, these sources said. Sources added that Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it was best for both sides to have a fresh start.
Brooks’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers was seen as his turning point. In a six-game losing streak for the Grizzlies, he called Lakers MVP and four-time NBA champion LeBron James “old,” “tired,” and hinted that he wasn’t as good as he used to be. Brooks hit James in the groin in Game 3, resulting in his ejection. He missed a defensive task to help James hook the basket in Game 4, and then he gave James away an important overtime basket for that loss. Brooks also chose not to speak to the media after three of the losses in the series, resulting in a $25,000 fine from the NBA.
The Lakers also left Brooks open during the series and challenged him to shoot, using the extra defender to prevent All-Star Ja Morant Desmond Bane from edging or blitzing. Brooks shot 31.2 percent from field and 23.8 percent from 3-point field in the series while averaging 10.5 points and shooting nearly 13 shots per game.
A 27-year-old runner-up from Oregon State in 2017, Brooks spent his six-year basketball career with the Grizzlies. He is the longest-serving player with the Grizzlies and has established himself as a three-dimensional winger who can serve as a regular for some teams. He was often considered part of her heart and soul, a fiery, fearless defender who wasn’t afraid to say whatever was on his mind.
Brooks was also suspended for hitting Gary Payton II in the head in the playoffs last year, which resulted in his being suspended for a game against the Golden Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals. Brooks also hit Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell in the groin that season and started a fight against Cleveland.
Sources said Memphis made contract extension offers to Brooks earlier in the season, but they were turned down, leading to the end of talks.
The Grizzlies’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Zach Kleiman, told reporters Sunday that the franchise will be “very aggressive” during the offseason. Memphis has up to five first round picks and up to three draft trades that can be used for potential trades.
