Still reeling from a surprise first-round playoff exit, the Memphis Grizzlies are apparently ready to make some changes and it looks as if they’ll start with Dillon Brooks.
A pending unrestricted free agent, Brooks won’t be re-signed by the team “under any circumstances,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
It’s surprising to hear considering the defensive value Brooks brought to the Grizzlies this season. Sure, he toed the line of playing dirty and could be a little annoying with his so-called bear-poking, among other reasons they might’ve made the decision, but he won’t be easy to replace.
Either way, it appears Brooks is headed elsewhere, so I made up the odds for who his next team might be.
Also check out:
- Someone already changed the Guangdong Tigers’ Wikipedia page to include Dillon Brooks
- 4 possible reasons why the Grizzlies might have made this decision
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5
Minnesota Timberwolves +700
Brooks could help fill the void left by Jarred Vanderbilt when Minnesota traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Between budding star Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves can generate offense, but they could use a stronger presence on the defensive perimeter to ease Edwards’ load on that end.
4
Houston Rockets +600
I don’t necessarily think Brooks fits the timeline of this team, but new head coach Ime Udoka made clear he expects some progress in his first year and wants to make moves in free agency to help with that. The Rockets could certainly use Brooks’ veteran presence and someone with his strengths on the floor too.
3
Portland Trail Blazers +550
As long as the Blazers are going to try to make the small guard thing work with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, they’ll need all the defensive help they can get. Signing Brooks would also bring him back to Oregon, where he starred in college for the Ducks. This might be the only fan base outside of Memphis (and maybe Toronto) that doesn’t completely root against him.
2
Sacramento Kings +450
The Sacramento Kings had a record-setting offense this year, but they were desperately lacking on the defensive end, finishing the season with the 24th defensive rating. That was apparent in Game 7 of their series against Golden State when Steph Curry gave them 50. Brooks doesn’t fix all of their woes on that end — they need a rim protector — but he can’t hurt.
1
Dallas Mavericks +300
Whether Kyrie Irving decides to re-sign or not, the Mavericks desperately need some help on the defensive end of the court. Even before trading their best perimeter defender, Dorian Finney-Smith, in the deal for Irving, the team struggled on that end. This might be the most seamless fit for Brooks, especially if Irving returns and Brooks doesn’t have to shoot much.
