The Memphis Grizzlies are not bringing back impending free agent Dillon Brooks “under any circumstances,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports.
Brooks was told during exit meetings with team officials over the past few days that he will not be resigned by the team even though he is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Charania added that Brooks and the Grizzlies determined during the exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start.
Grizzlies have informed Dillon Brooks he will not be brought back "under any circumstances," per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/66ezbI51u7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 2, 2023
The end of Brooks’ season with the Grizzlies was filled with turmoil. Following a series-tying win against the Lakers in their first-round playoff series on April 19, Brooks called out Los Angeles star LeBron James for being old and saying he wouldn’t respect anyone until they put up 40 points against him. He also punched James in the groin area in Game 3, leading to an ejection.
After a season-ending 125-85 loss to the Lakers, Brooks refused to speak to the media after the game, incurring a $25,000 fine from the NBA. That was the third time the guard did so in the series, all of which came after losses following his initial comments. The 27-year-old Brooks, who just finished the final year of a three-year, $35 million deal, averaged 10.5 points a game on 31% shooting and 23.8% from three during the Grizzlies’ lone playoff series.
According to Charania, Memphis did make contract offers to Brooks early in the season, but they were rejected which led to the end of extension talks.
Let’s see how Twitter is responding to that Dillon Brooks new— pic.twitter.com/aU6wdESBd8
— Muhammad Alinked-in (@PBSImpulse9) May 2, 2023
Brooks’ propensity for “poking the bear”, as he puts it, has gotten him in trouble in the past. Earlier this season, Brooks hit Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell in the groin, which started a fight and led to his ejection and a one-game suspension. In last year’s playoffs, Brooks was suspended for a game during the Western Conference semifinals after striking Warriors guard Gary Payton II in the head. He also picked up 18 technical fouls this season, tying him for the league lead and resulting in two separate one-game suspensions.
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