The dynasty is over. Not at Golden State. But in Memphis.
What dynasty, you ask? Exactly.
Dillon Brooks' mouth may have cost himself millions of dollars and opportunity to grow into the player he reputed himself to be. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Brooks will not be brought back to the Grizzlies “under any circumstances” as he enters free agency.
Shams reported that the recent first-round exit was the final straw for Brooks, as he called LeBron James “old” after the series was tied 1-1, before getting beat by him during a clutch moment in the Lakers Game 4 overtime win. Brooks then failed to address the media for the final three losses of the Grizzlies season and was fined $25,000.
Brooks has a big mouth for a guy who’s only been to the second round once and never been named to an All-Star team or All-Defensive team. Hiding after the L’s also shines a spotlight on his immaturity.
Back in March 2022, Brooks got the attention of the Warriors franchise when he threw shade at Andre Iguodala, who was traded to Memphis in 2019 but never suited up for the Grizzlies. Following a regular-season win in Memphis, Brooks shot this barb at Iguodala, who was getting booed by the crowd all game.
“We all had the vision and he didn’t, which is perfect.” Brooks said. “Send him back to the Warriors and let him do his thing over there. From the beginning, we were growing a base, we had a base, and we just kept building and building and building, and more guys got on the train and we were able to create something like this and keep building this dynasty.”
This season, Brooks also told ESPN that he didn’t like Draymond Green or the Warriors, which led to Draymond ripping the Grizzlies forward on his podcast.
“If you ever wonder why the Memphis Grizzlies is not ready to compete for a championship, look no further than this idiot right here,” Green said. “They’re actually depending on this guy to help them win a championship. … The dynasty starts after you. Not with you.”
Draymond’s hot take was spot on. If Memphis does anything, Brooks won’t be there.
Charania also reported that Brooks turned down an extension offer from the Grizzlies earlier this season. Now he’ll enter free agency as a potential no-go target for organizations with his childish display in the first round.
Considering that Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. sent out some cryptic tweets about Memphis on Monday and Ja Morant is going through his personal deal, it could be time for a massive shift in Memphis.
Ultimately, Draymond and Andre are still alive in the playoffs, going for a fifth title while Brooks is in 1-2-3 Cancun Mode. It will be interesting to see where the 27-year-old Brooks lands next season after his mouth couldn’t cash its own check.
