Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman has given a strong indication why the organization would not renew Dillon Brooks this offseason in a subtle way.
General Manager of the Grizzlies gives his reasons for the team’s decision not to re-sign Dillon Brooks
During the team’s exit interviews on Sunday, Kleiman stated:
“We’re going to take a different approach as it pertains to [trash talk] next season,”
“You’ll see a different approach from this team, but at the same time, confidence is important. … There’s a line there, certainly.” he added.
Brooks is the Grizzlies’ most tenured player, and in his farewell interview, he made it clear that he has no plans to tone down his trash saying.
“I don’t regret it. I’m a competitor. I compete,” Brooks said “… So I’m not going to change. I’m going to keep doing what I do and get better.”
Kleiman again alludes to Brooks without naming him during departure interviews, this time discussing “self-created distractions” during Game 1 against the Lakers.
The Athletic obtained information from league sources: “The Memphis Grizzlies have informed pending unrestricted free agent Dillon Brooks that he will not be brought back under any circumstances…,”
“After his tumultuous end to the season, Brooks was told about the Grizzlies’ decision to move on in exit meetings with team officials in recent days…Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start, sources added.”
The six-year veteran forward completely disgraced himself by calling out LeBron and labeling him “old.”
When LeBron and the Lakers replied on the court, Brooks couldn’t handle the pressure and refused to speak to the media after three of the series’ losses, leading to a $25,000 fine.
He also punched LeBron in the groin during Game 3 and was dismissed, and he was unable to lock down James on defense during important times in Game 4.
Brooks shot a dismal 31.2% from the field in the playoffs, resulting in an average of 10.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
The writing appears to be on the wall for Brooks after Kleiman informed the reporters on Sunday that the organization will be “very aggressive” in the offseason.
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