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Should Magic Sign Grizzlies SF Dillon Brooks?
ORLANDO - The Memphis Grizzlies are picking up the pieces after losing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Los Angeles Lakers, but they have already made a big decision regarding one of their impending free agents.
According to The Athletic, the Grizzlies have informed controversial small forward Dillon Brooks that the team will not bring him 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, those sources said. Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start, sources added," The Athletic said.
With Brooks as a free agent, the Orlando Magic will need to decide if he is worth bringing into the fold.
Even though Brooks' tenure with the Grizzlies ended poorly and in bad taste, he has the potential to be one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. Depending on the rest of the roster, Brooks could slot in as a starter next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero or a key reserve manning the second unit.
Offensively, Brooks is no pushover either. During his six seasons with the Grizzlies, he has averaged 14.5 points per game while shooting 34.5 percent from distance.
If Brooks can truly embrace a fresh start and buy into the Magic's culture, he could be a difference-maker for a team looking to take the next step into the playoffs.
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