According to league sources, the Memphis Grizzlies notified pending unrestricted free agent Dillon Brooks that he will not be welcomed back under any circumstances.
Brooks was informed of the Grizzlies' decision to part ways with him in departure discussions with team executives in recent days, according to those sources. Memphis and Brooks discussed in leaving talks that it is better for both parties to start again.
Brooks' first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers was viewed as a watershed moment. During the Grizzlies' six-game series loss, he called LeBron James, the Lakers best player and four-time NBA champion, "old," "tired," and suggested he was not as good as he used to be. Brooks was ejected for punching James in the groyne in Game 3. He failed to assist on James' game-tying basket in Game 4 and then gave up a key basket to James in overtime of that loss. Brooks also elected not to talk to the media following three of the series' losses, resulting in a $25,000 punishment from the NBA.
The Lakers also left Brooks free and taunted him to shoot during the series, employing the extra defender to deter All-Star Ja Morant from driving or to blitz Desmond Bane on the perimeter. Brooks averaged 10.5 points and fired over 13 shots per game while shooting 31.2 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from 3-point range in the series.
Brooks, a second-round selection out of Oregon in 2017, has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Grizzlies. He is the Grizzlies' longest-tenured player, establishing himself as a three-and-D wing capable of starting for some teams. As a fiery, gritty defender who isn't afraid to say what's on his mind, he's often been regarded as a part of their heart and soul.
For hitting Gary Payton II in the head during the playoffs the previous season, Brooks also received a ban. As a result, he was unable to participate in the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors. This season, Donovan Mitchell, a star for the Cavaliers, was also struck in the groyne by Brooks, which sparked a brawl with Cleveland.
Early in the season, Memphis did make contract extension proposals to Brooks, but they were declined and the negotiations subsequently came to a stop, according to sources.
Zach Kleiman, the Grizzlies' executive vice president of basketball operations, told journalists on Sunday that the team will be "very aggressive" in the offseason. Up to five first-round selections and three draught swaps are available for use in potential deals for Memphis.